Processes for producing fermentation products

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material, wherein an alpha-amylase and a thermostable hemicellulase is present and/or added during liquefaction. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in processes of the invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a 35 U.S.C. 371 national application of international application no. PCT/US2016/067177 filed Dec. 16, 2016, which claims priority or the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. application nos. 62/271,182, 62/271,063, 62/324,107 and 62/430,695, filed Dec. 22, 2015, Dec. 22, 2015, Apr. 18, 2016 and Dec. 6, 2016, respectively, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products, especially ethanol, from starch-containing material. The invention also relates to compositions suitable for use in a process of the invention and the use of compositions of the invention.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

This application contains a Sequence Listing in computer readable form. The computer readable form is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Production of fermentation products, such as ethanol, from starch-containing material is well-known in the art. Industrially two different kinds of processes are used today. The most commonly used process, often referred to as a “conventional process”, includes liquefying gelatinized starch at high temperature using typically a bacterial alpha-amylase, followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation carried out in the presence of a glucoamylase and a fermentation organism. Another well-known process, often referred to as a “raw starch hydrolysis”-process (RSH process), includes simultaneously saccharifying and fermenting granular starch below the initial gelatinization temperature typically in the presence of at least a glucoamylase.

Despite significant improvement of fermentation product production processes over the past decade a significant amount of residual starch material is not converted into the desired fermentation product, such as ethanol.

Therefore, there is still a desire and need for providing processes for producing fermentation products, such as ethanol, from starch-containing material that can provide a higher fermentation product yield, or other advantages, compared to conventional processes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to processes of producing fermentation products, such as especially ethanol, from starch-containing material using a fermenting organism. The invention also relates to compositions for use in processes of the invention.

In the first aspect the invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products, such as preferably ethanol, from starch-containing material comprising the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature above     the initial gelatinization temperature, preferably between 80-90°     C., using:

an alpha-amylase, such as a bacterial alpha-amylase;

a hemicellulase, preferably a xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.;

optionally an endoglucanase having Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.;

-   ii) saccharifying using a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme; -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment the hemicellulase is a xylanase, in particular a GH10 xylanase or a GH11 xylanase.

The hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, especially GH10 or GH11 xylanase, preferably has a Melting Point (DSC) above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 90° C., such as above 92° C., such as above 94° C., such as above 96° C., such as above 98° C., such as above 100° C., such as between 80° C. and 110° C., such as between 82° C. and 110° C., such as between 84° C. and 110° C.

Examples of suitable hemicellulases, in particular xylanases, include the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 herein or SEQ ID NO: 34 herein derived from a strain of Dictyogllomus thermophilum; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 herein derived from a strain of Rasomsonia byssochlamydoides; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 herein derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 herein derived from a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus or a polypeptide having hemicellulase activity, preferably xylanase activity, having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein.

In another aspect the invention relates to compositions comprising:

-   -   an alpha-amylase;     -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C., especially         above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.;     -   optionally an endoglucanase;     -   optionally a protease;     -   optionally a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme.

Other enzymes such as pullulanases and phytases may also be comprised in the composition of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment the composition of the invention comprises

-   -   an alpha-amylase, preferably a bacterial alpha-amylase;     -   a hemicellulase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.,         preferably above 85° C., especially above 90° C., in particular         above 95° C.;     -   an endoglucanase having Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.,         preferably above 75° C., especially above 80° C., in particular         above 85° C.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the ethanol yield with TI EG (SEQ ID NO: 9) and TI xylanase (SEQ ID NO: 5) or Dt xylanase (SEQ ID NO: 34) addition in liquefaction, and SSF with Glucoamylase SA (GSA).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to processes of producing fermentation products, such as ethanol, from starch-containing material using a fermenting organism. The invention also relates to compositions for use in processes of the invention.

The inventors have found that increased ethanol yield is obtained when liquefying starch-containing material using an alpha-amylase in the presence of a thermostable hemicellulase (see Example 19). It was also found that when additionally adding a thermostable endoglucase the ethanol yield increased even more.

In the first aspect the invention relates to processes for producing fermentation products, such as preferably ethanol, from starch-containing material comprising the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature above     the initial gelatinization temperature, such as between 80-90° C.,     using:

an alpha-amylase, such as a bacterial alpha-amylase;

a hemicellulase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.;

-   ii) saccharifying using a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme; -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

Steps ii) and iii) may be carried out either sequentially or simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment steps ii) and iii) are carried out simultaneously. The alpha-amylase, the hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.; and optionally a thermostable endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., may be added before and/or during liquefaction step i). Optionally a protease, a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, preferably a glucoamylase, a pullulanase, and/or a phytase may be present and/or added as well. In a preferred embodiment a composition of the invention defined below may suitably be used in liquefaction in a process of the invention. The enzymes may be added individually or as one or more blend compositions comprising an alpha-amylase, hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C., and optional endoglucanase and optionally a protease, a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, a pullulanase and/or a phytase.

Examples of alpha-amylases can be found in the “Alpha-Amylase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase is a variant of the alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 herein, such as one derived from a strain Bacillus stearomthermphilus, with mutations selected from the group of:

-   I181*+G182*; -   I181*+G182*+N193F; -   preferably -   I181*+G182*+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E: -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using     SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases are typically naturally truncated when produced to be around 491 amino acids long (compared to SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein), such as from about 480-495 amino acids long.

In an embodiment the bacterial alpha-amylase, e.g., Bacillus alpha-amylase, such as especially Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, is dosed in liquefaction in a concentration between 0.01-10 KNU-A/g DS, e.g., between 0.02 and 5 KNU-A/g DS, such as 0.03 and 3 KNU-A, preferably 0.04 and 2 KNU-A/g DS, such as especially 0.01 and 2 KNU-A/g DS.

In an embodiment the bacterial alpha-amylase, e.g., Bacillus alpha-amylase, such as especially Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, is dosed in liquefaction in a concentration of between 0.0001-1 mg EP (Enzyme Protein)/g DS, e.g., 0.0005-0.5 mg EP/g DS, such as 0.001-0.1 mg EP/g DS.

Examples of suitable hemicellulases, such as xylanases, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C. can be found in the “Thermostable Hemicellulases Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below.

Specific examples of suitable hemicellulases, in particular xylanases, include the xylanases shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 herein and SEQ ID NO: 34 herein, e.g., derived from a strain of Dictyogilomus thermophilum; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 herein, e.g., derived from a strain of Rasomsonia byssochiamydoides; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 herein, e.g., derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 herein, e.g., derived from a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus or polypeptides having hemicellulase, preferably xylanase activity, having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of any of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein, respectively.

Examples of suitable optional endoglucanases having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C. can be found in the “Thermostable Endoglucanase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below.

In a preferred embodiment the endoglucanase is the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 9 herein, such as one derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus (WO2013/019780), or an endoglucanase having at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO: 9 herein.

In a preferred embodiment the endoglucanase is the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 9 herein, such as one derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus (WO2013/019780—hereby incorporated by reference), or an endoglucanase having at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 9 herein having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.

Examples of optional proteases can be found in the “Protease Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below.

Examples of suitable optional carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, preferably thermostable carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, in particularglucoamylases, can be found in the “Carbohydrate-Source Generating Enzymes Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below.

A suitable optional pullulanase can be found in the “Pullulanase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below. In a preferred embodiment the pullulanase is derived from Bacillus sp.

Examples of optional phytases can be found in the “Phytase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section below. In a preferred embodiment the phytase is derived from a strain of Buttiauxella.

A suitable cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition present and/or added during saccharification and/or fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) can be found in the “Cellulase or Cellulolytic Enzyme Composition Present and/or Added During Saccharification and/or Fermentation or SSF”-section below. In an embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is derived from Trichoderma reesei.

In a preferred embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition, further comprising Thermoascus aurantiacus GH61A polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity (SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/074656 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein) and Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein).

In an embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition further comprising Penicillium emersonii GH61A polypeptide disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/041397 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein, and Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein, or a variant thereof, which variant has one of, preferably all of, the following substitutions: F100D, S283G, N456E, F512Y (using SEQ ID NO: 29 herein for numbering).

According to the process of the invention the pH during liquefaction may be between 4.0-6.5, such as 4.5-6.2, such as above 4.8-6.0, such as between 5.0-5.8.

According to the invention the temperature is above the initial gelatinization temperature. The term “initial gelatinization temperature” refers to the lowest temperature at which solubilization of starch, typically by heating, begins. The temperature can vary for different starches. The initial gelanitization temperature may be from 50-70° C.

In an embodiment the temperature during liquefaction step i) is in the range from 70-100° C., such as between 70-95° C., such as between 75-90° C., preferably between 80-90° C., such as around 85° C.

In an embodiment, the process of the invention further comprises, prior to the step i), the steps of:

a) reducing the particle size of the starch-containing material, preferably by dry milling;

b) forming a slurry comprising the starch-containing material and water.

The starch-containing starting material, such as whole grains, may be reduced in particle size, e.g., by milling, in order to open up the structure, to increase the surface area and allowing for further processing. Generally, there are two types of processes: wet and dry milling. In dry milling whole kernels are milled and used. Wet milling gives a good separation of germ and meal (starch granules and protein). Wet milling is often applied at locations where the starch hydrolysate is used in production of, e.g., syrups. Both dry and wet millings are well known in the art of starch processing. According to the present invention dry milling is preferred. The particle size may be reduced even further, for example, by Turkish grinding. In an embodiment the particle size is reduced to between 0.05 to 3.0 mm, preferably 0.1-0.5 mm, or so that at least 30%, preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 70%, even more preferably at least 90% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with a 0.05 to 3.0 mm screen, preferably 0.1-0.5 mm screen. In another embodiment at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, especially at least 90% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with #6 screen. In an embodiment, at least 75% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with less than a 0.5 mm screen, more preferably at least 79% or 80% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with less than a 0.425 mm screen. In an embodiment, at least 50% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with a 0.25 to 0.425 mm screen, more preferably at least 59% or 60% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with a 0.25 to 0.425 mm screen.

The aqueous slurry may contain from 10-55 w/w-% dry solids (DS), preferably 25-45 w/w-% dry solids (DS), more preferably 30-40 w/w-% dry solids (DS) of starch-containing material.

The slurry may be heated to above the initial gelatinization temperature, preferably to between 70-95° C., such as between 80-90° C., between pH 5.0-7.0, preferably between 5.0 and 6.0, for 30 minutes to 5 hours, such as around 2 hours.

In an embodiment liquefaction step i) is carried out for 0.5-5 hours at a temperature from 70-95° C. at a pH from 4-6.

In a preferred embodiment liquefaction step i) is carried out for 0.5-3 hours at a temperature from 80-90° C. at a pH from 4-6.

The alpha-amylase and hemicellulase and optional thermostable endoglucanase, optional protease, optional carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular glucoamylase, optional pullulanase, and/or optional phytase, may initially be added to the aqueous slurry to initiate liquefaction (thinning). In an embodiment only a portion of the enzymes is added to the aqueous slurry, while the rest of the enzymes are added during liquefaction step i).

The aqueous slurry may in an embodiment be jet-cooked to further gelatinize the slurry before being subjected to liquefaction in step i). The jet-cooking may be carried out at a temperature between 95-160° C., such as between 110-145° C., preferably 120-140° C., such as 125-135° C., preferably around 130° C. for about 1-15 minutes, preferably for about 3-10 minutes, especially around about 5 minutes.

Saccharification and Fermentation

According to the process of the invention one or more carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, in particular glucoamylase, may be present and/or added during saccharification step ii) and/or fermentation step iii). The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme may preferably be a glucoamylase, but may also be an enzyme selected from the group consisting of: beta-amylase, maltogenic amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme added during saccharification step ii) and/or fermentation step iii) is typically different from the optional carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular glucoamylase, optionally added during liquefaction step i). In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, in particular glucoamylase, is added together with a fungal alpha-amylase.

Examples of carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, including glucoamylases, can be found in the “Carbohydrate-Source Generating Enzyme Present and/or Added During Saccharification and/or Fermentation”-section below.

When doing sequential saccharification and fermentation, saccharification step ii) may be carried out at conditions well-known in the art. For instance, the saccharification step ii) may last up to from about 24 to about 72 hours.

In an embodiment a pre-saccharification step is done. In an embodiment a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is added during pre-saccharification carried out before saccharification step ii) and/or fermentation step iii). The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme may also be added during pre-saccharification carried out before simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF).

In an embodiment a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, preferably glucoamylase, and/or the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition, are added during pre-saccharification carried out before saccharification step ii) and/or fermentation step iii). The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, preferably glucoamylase, and the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition may also be added during pre-saccharification carried out before simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Pre-saccharification is typically done for 40-90 minutes at a temperature between 30-65° C., typically around 60° C. Pre-saccharification may be followed by saccharification during fermentation in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (“SSF). Saccharification is typically carried out at temperatures from 20-75° C., preferably from 40-70° C., typically around 60° C., and at a pH between 4 and 5, such as around pH 4.5.

Simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (“SSE”) is widely used in industrial scale fermentation product production processes, especially ethanol production processes. When doing SSF the saccharification step ii) and the fermentation step iii) are carried out simultaneously. There may be no holding stage for the saccharification, meaning that a fermenting organism, such as yeast, and enzyme(s), in a preferred embodiment according to the invention a glucoamylase and a cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition, may be added together. However, it is also contemplated to add the fermenting organism and enzyme(s) separately. Fermentation or SSF may, according to the invention, typically be carried out at a temperature from 25° C. to 40° C., such as from 28° C. to 35° C., such as from 30° C. to 34° C., preferably around about 32° C. In an embodiment fermentation is ongoing for 6 to 120 hours, in particular 24 to 96 hours. In an embodiment the pH is between 3.5-5, in particular between 3.8 and 4.3.

Fermentation Medium

“Fermentation media” or “fermentation medium” refers to the environment in which fermentation is carried out. The fermentation medium includes the fermentation substrate, that is, the carbohydrate source that is metabolized by the fermenting organism. According to the invention the fermentation medium may comprise nutrients and growth stimulator(s) for the fermenting organism(s). Nutrient and growth stimulators are widely used in the art of fermentation and include nitrogen sources, such as ammonia; urea, vitamins and minerals, or combinations thereof.

Fermenting Organisms

The term “fermenting organism” refers to any organism, including bacterial and fungal organisms, especially yeast, suitable for use in a fermentation process and capable of producing the desired fermentation product. Especially suitable fermenting organisms are able to ferment, i.e., convert, sugars, such as glucose or maltose, directly or indirectly into the desired fermentation product, such as ethanol. Examples of fermenting organisms include fungal organisms, such as yeast. Preferred yeast includes strains of Saccharomyces spp., in particular, Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Suitable concentrations of the viable fermenting organism during fermentation, such as SSF, are well known in the art or can easily be determined by the skilled person in the art. In one embodiment the fermenting organism, such as ethanol fermenting yeast, (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is added to the fermentation medium so that the viable fermenting organism, such as yeast, count per mL of fermentation medium is in the range from 10⁵ to 10¹², preferably from 10⁷ to 10¹⁰, especially about 5×10⁷.

Examples of commercially available yeast includes, e.g., RED STAR™ and ETHANOL RED™ yeast (available from Fermentis/Lesaffre, USA), FALI (available from Fleischmann's Yeast, USA), SUPERSTART and THERMOSACC™ fresh yeast (available from Ethanol Technology, WI, USA), BIOFERM AFT and XR (available from NABC—North American Bioproducts Corporation, GA, USA), GERT STRAND (available from Gert Strand AB, Sweden), and FERMIOL (available from DSM Specialties).

Starch-Containing Materials

Any suitable starch-containing material may be used according to the present invention. The starting material is generally selected based on the desired fermentation product. Examples of starch-containing materials, suitable for use in a process of the invention, include whole grains, corn, wheat, barley, rye, milo, sago, cassava, tapioca, sorghum, rice, peas, beans, or sweet potatoes, or mixtures thereof or starches derived therefrom, or cereals. Contemplated are also waxy and non-waxy types of corn and barley.

In a preferred embodiment the starch-containing material, used for ethanol production according to the invention, is corn or wheat.

Fermentation Products

The term “fermentation product” means a product produced by a process including a fermentation step using a fermenting organism. Fermentation products contemplated according to the invention include alcohols (e.g., ethanol, methanol, butanol; polyols such as glycerol, sorbitol and inositol); organic acids (e.g., citric acid, acetic acid, itaconic acid, lactic acid, succinic acid, gluconic acid); ketones (e.g., acetone); amino acids (e.g., glutamic acid); gases (e.g., H₂ and CO₂); antibiotics (e.g., penicillin and tetracycline); enzymes; vitamins (e.g., riboflavin, B₁₂, beta-carotene); and hormones. In a preferred embodiment the fermentation product is ethanol, e.g., fuel ethanol; drinking ethanol, i.e., potable neutral spirits; or industrial ethanol or products used in the consumable alcohol industry (e.g., beer and wine), dairy industry (e.g., fermented dairy products), leather industry and tobacco industry. Preferred beer types comprise ales, stouts, porters, lagers, bitters, malt liquors, happoushu, high-alcohol beer, low-alcohol beer, low-calorie beer or light beer. Preferably processes of the invention are used for producing an alcohol, such as ethanol. The fermentation product, such as ethanol, obtained according to the invention, may be used as fuel, which is typically blended with gasoline. However, in the case of ethanol it may also be used as potable ethanol.

Recovery

Subsequent to fermentation, or SSF, the fermentation product may be separated from the fermentation medium. The slurry may be distilled to extract the desired fermentation product (e.g., ethanol). Alternatively the desired fermentation product may be extracted from the fermentation medium by micro or membrane filtration techniques. The fermentation product may also be recovered by stripping or other method well known in the art.

Alpha-Amylase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

According to the invention an alpha-amylase is present and/or added in liquefaction together with a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C., such as between 80° C. and 95° C., and an optional endoglucanase, an optional protease, an optional carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular a glucoamylase, an optional pullulanase, and/or an optional phytase.

The alpha-amylase added during liquefaction step i) may be any alpha-amylase. Preferred are bacterial alpha-amylases, such as especially Bacillus alpha-amylases, such as Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases, which are stable at temperature used during liquefaction.

Bacterial Alpha-Amylase

The term “bacterial alpha-amylase” means any bacterial alpha-amylase classified under EC 3.2.1.1. A bacterial alpha-amylase used according to the invention may, e.g., be derived from a strain of the genus Bacillus, which is sometimes also referred to as the genus Geobacillus. In an embodiment the Bacillus alpha-amylase is derived from a strain of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus sp. TS-23, or Bacillus subtilis, but may also be derived from other Bacillus sp.

Specific examples of bacterial alpha-amylases include the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein, the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 5 in WO 99/19467, and the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 99/19467 and the Bacillus sp. TS-23 alpha-amylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2009/061380 (all sequences are hereby incorporated by reference).

In an embodiment the bacterial alpha-amylase may be an enzyme having a degree of identity of at least 60%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99% to any of the sequences shown in SEQ ID NOS: 3, 4 or 5, respectively, in WO 99/19467 and SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2009/061380.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase may be an enzyme having a degree of identity of at least 60%, e.g., at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98% or at least 99% to any of the sequences shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus. The Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase may be a mature wild-type or a mature variant thereof. The mature Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases, or variant thereof, may be naturally truncated during recombinant production. For instance, the mature Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase may be truncated at the C-terminal so it is around 491 amino acids long (compared to SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein), such as from 480-495 amino acids long.

The Bacillus alpha-amylase may also be a variant and/or hybrid. Examples of such a variant can be found in any of WO 96/23873, WO 96/23874, WO 97/41213, WO 99/19467, WO 00/60059, WO 02/10355 and WO2009/061380 (all documents are hereby incorporated by reference). Specific alpha-amylase variants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,093,562, 6,187,576, 6,297,038, and 7,713,723 (hereby incorporated by reference) and include Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (often referred to as BSG alpha-amylase) variants having a deletion of one or two amino acids at any of positions R179, G180, I181 and/or G182, preferably the double deletion disclosed in WO 96/23873—see, e.g., page 20, lines 1-10 (hereby incorporated by reference), preferably corresponding to deletion of positions I181 and G182 compared to the amino acid sequence of Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein or the deletion of amino acids R179 and G180 using SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein. Even more preferred are Bacillus alpha-amylases, especially Bacillus stearothermophilus (BSG) alpha-amylases, which have at one or two amino acid deletions corresponding to positions R179, G180, I181 and G182, preferably which have a double deletion corresponding to R179 and G180, or preferably a deletion of positions 181 and 182 (denoted I181*+G182*), and optionally further comprises a N193F substitution (denoted I181*+G182*+N193F) compared to the wild-type BSG alpha-amylase amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 disclosed in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein. The bacterial alpha-amylase may also have a substitution in a position corresponding to S239 in the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 99/19467, or a S242 variant in the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase of SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

In an embodiment the variant is a 5242A, E or Q variant, preferably a S242Q or A variant, of the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

In an embodiment the variant is a position E188 variant, preferably E188P variant of the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

Other contemplated variant are Bacillus sp. TS-23 variant disclosed in WO2009/061380, especially variants defined in claim 1 of WO2009/061380 (hereby incorporated by reference).

Bacterial Hybrid Alpha-Amylases

The bacterial alpha-amylase may also be a hybrid bacterial alpha-amylase, e.g., an alpha-amylase comprising 445 C-terminal amino acid residues of the Bacillus licheniformis alpha-amylase (shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 99/19467) and the 37 N-terminal amino acid residues of the alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 of WO 99/19467). In a preferred embodiment this hybrid has one or more, especially all, of the following substitutions:

-   G48A+T49I+G107A+H156Y+A181T+N190F+I201F+A209V+Q264S (using the     Bacillus licheniformis numbering in SEQ ID NO: 4 of WO 99/19467).     Also preferred are variants having one or more of the following     mutations (or corresponding mutations in other Bacillus     alpha-amylases): H154Y, A181T, N190F, A209V and Q264S and/or the     deletion of two residues between positions 176 and 179, preferably     the deletion of E178 and G179 (using SEQ ID NO: 5 of WO 99/19467 for     position numbering).

In an embodiment the bacterial alpha-amylase is the mature part of the chimeric alpha-amylase disclosed in Richardson et al., 2002, The Journal of Biological Chemistry 277(29): 267501-26507, referred to as BD5088 or a variant thereof. This alpha-amylase is the same as the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2007134207. The mature enzyme sequence starts after the initial “Met” amino acid in position 1.

Thermostable Alpha-Amylase

According to the invention the alpha-amylase is used in combination with a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C. Optionally an endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., such as above 75° C., in particular above 80° C. may be included. The thermostable alpha-amylase, such as a bacterial an alpha-amylase, is preferably derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus or Bacillus sp. TS-23. In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂ of at least 10.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 15.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 20.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 25.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 30.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 40.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 50.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, of at least 60.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 10-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 15-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 20-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 25-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 30-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 40-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 50-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂, between 60-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase is a bacterial alpha-amylase, preferably derived from the genus Bacillus, especially a strain of Bacillus stearothermophilus, in particular the Bacillus stearothermophilus as disclosed in WO 99/19467 as SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein with one or two amino acids deleted at positions R179, G180, I181 and/or G182, in particular with R179 and G180 deleted, or with I181 and G182 deleted, with mutations in below list of mutations. In preferred embodiments the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylases have double deletion I181+G182, and optional substitution N193F, optionally further comprising mutations selected from below list:

V59A + Q89R + G112D + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + H208Y + K220P + N224L + Q254S; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + D269E + D281N; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + I270L; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + H274K; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + Y276F; V59A + E129V + R157Y + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + H208Y + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + H274K; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + Y276F; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + D281N; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + M284T; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + G416V; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + M284T; A91L + M96I + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; E129V + K177L + R179E; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + Y276F + L427M; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + M284T; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + N376* + I377*; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + M284T; E129V + K177L + R179E + S242Q; E129V + K177L + R179V + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; M284V; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + Q254S + M284V.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase variants:

-   I181w+G182*; -   I181*+G182*+N193F; -   preferably -   I181*+G182*+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using     SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

In an embodiment the bacterial alpha-amylase, such as Bacillus alpha-amylase, such as as Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

In an embodiment the bacterial alpha-amylase variant, such as Bacillus alpha-amylase variant, such as Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase variant has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, but less than 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

It should be understood that when referring to Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase and variants thereof they are normally produced naturally in truncated form. In particular, the truncation may be so that the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/19467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein, or variants thereof, are truncated in the C-terminal and are typically around 491 amino acids long, such as from 480-495 amino acids long.

Thermostable Hemicellulase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

According to the invention a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C. is present and/or added to liquefaction step i) in combination with an alpha-amylase, such as a bacterial alpha-amylase (described above).

The thermostability of a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase may be determined as described in the “Materials & Methods”-section under “Determination of T_(d) by Differential Scanning calorimetry for Endoglucanases and Hemicellulases”.

In an embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 or GH11 xylanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 90° C., such as above 92° C., such as above 94° C., such as above 96° C., such as above 98° C., such as above 100° C., such as between 80° C. and 110° C., such as between 82° C. and 110° C., such as between 84° C. and 110° C.

In a preferred embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Dictyoglomus, such as a strain of Dictyogllomus thermophilum.

In a preferred embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH11 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 34 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Dictyoglomus, such as a strain of Dictyogitomus thermophlium.

In a preferred embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Rasamsonia, such as a strain of Rasomsonia byssochiamydoides.

In a preferred embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Talaromyces, such as a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus.

In a preferred embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 8 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus.

Thermostable Endoglucanase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

According to the invention an optional endoglucanase (“EG”) having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., such as between 70° C. and 95° C. may be present and/or added in liquefaction step i) in combination with an alpha-amylase, such as a thermostable bacterial alpha-amylase and a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.

The thermostability of an endoglucanase may be determined as described in the “Materials & Methods”—section under “Determination of T_(d) by Differential Scanning calorimetry for Endoglucanases and Hemicellulases”.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 72° C., such as above 74° C., such as above 76° C., such as above 78° C., such as above 80° C., such as above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as between 70° C. and 95° C., such as between 76° C. and 94° C., such as between 78° C. and 93° C., such as between 80° C. and 92° C., such as between 82° C. and 91° C., such as between 84° C. and 90° C.

In a preferred embodiment the endogluconase used in a process of the invention or comprised in a composition of the invention is a Glycoside Hydrolase Family 5 endoglucnase or GH5 endoglucanase (see the CAZy database on the “www.cazy.org” webpage.

In an embodiment the GH5 endoglucanase is from family EG II, such as the Taiaromyces ieycettanus endoglucanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 9 herein; Penicillium capsulatum endoglucanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 35 herein, and Trichophaea saccata endoglucanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 36 herein.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase is a family GH45 endoglucanase. In an embodiment the GH45 endoglucanase is from family EG V, such as the Sordaria fimicola shown in SEQ ID NO: 38 herein or the Thielavia terrestris endoglucanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 37 herein.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein. In an embodiment the endoglucanase is derived from a strain of the genus Talaromyces, such as a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 35 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium capsulatum.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 36 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Trichophaea, such as a strain of Trichophaea saccata.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 37 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Thielavia, such as a strain of Thielavia terrestris.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 38 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Sordaria, such as a strain of Sordaria fimicola.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase is added in liquefaction step i) at a dose from 1-10,000 μg EP (Enzymes Protein)/g DS), such as 10-1,000 μg EP/g DS.

Protease Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

In an embodiment of the invention an optional protease, such as a thermostable protease, may be present and/or added in liquefaction together with an alpha-amylase, such as a thermostable alpha-amylase, and a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a melting point (DSC) above 80° C., and optionally an endoglucanase, a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular a glucoamylase, optionally a pullulanase and/or optionally a phytase.

Proteases are classified on the basis of their catalytic mechanism into the following groups: Serine proteases (S), Cysteine proteases (C), Aspartic proteases (A), Metallo proteases (M), and Unknown, or as yet unclassified, proteases (U), see Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes, A. J. Barrett, N. D. Rawlings, J. F. Woessner (eds), Academic Press (1998), in particular the general introduction part.

In a preferred embodiment the thermostable protease used according to the invention is a “metallo protease” defined as a protease belonging to EC 3.4.24 (metalloendopeptidases); preferably EC 3.4.24.39 (acid metallo proteinases).

To determine whether a given protease is a metallo protease or not, reference is made to the above “Handbook of Proteolytic Enzymes” and the principles indicated therein. Such determination can be carried out for all types of proteases, be it naturally occurring or wild-type proteases; or genetically engineered or synthetic proteases.

Protease activity can be measured using any suitable assay, in which a substrate is employed, that includes peptide bonds relevant for the specificity of the protease in question. Assay-pH and assay-temperature are likewise to be adapted to the protease in question. Examples of assay-pH-values are pH 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11. Examples of assay-temperatures are 30, 35, 37, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 or 80° C.

Examples of protease substrates are casein, such as Azurine-Crosslinked Casein (AZCL-casein). Two protease assays are described below in the “Materials & Methods”-section, of which the so-called “AZCL-Casein Assay” is the preferred assay.

In an embodiment the thermostable protease has at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 100% of the protease activity of the JTP196 variant (Example 2) or Protease Pfu (SEQ ID NO: 13 herein) determined by the AZCL-casein assay described in the “Materials & Methods”-section.

There are no limitations on the origin of the thermostable protease used in a process or composition of the invention as long as it fulfills the thermostability properties defined below.

In one embodiment the protease is of fungal origin.

In a preferred embodiment the thermostable protease is a variant of a metallo protease as defined above. In an embodiment the thermostable protease used in a process or composition of the invention is of fungal origin, such as a fungal metallo protease, such as a fungal metallo protease derived from a strain of the genus Thermoascus, preferably a strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus, especially Thermoascus aurantiacus CGMCC No. 0670 (classified as EC 3.4.24.39).

In an embodiment the thermostable protease is a variant of the mature part of the metallo protease shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 and shown as SEQ ID NO: 2 herein further with mutations selected from below list:

S5*+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;

S5*+N26R+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

N26R+T46R+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

T46R+D79L+S87P+T116V+D142L;

D79L+P81R+S87P+A112P+D142L;

A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;

D79L+S87P+A112P+T124V+A126V+D142L;

D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+D142L;

S38T+D79L+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

D79L+S87P+N98C+A112P+G135C+D142L;

D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L+T141C+M161C;

S36P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

A37P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

S49P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

S50P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+S87P+D104P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L;

S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+A112P+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+D104P+A112P+D142L;

S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+A126V+D142L;

Y82F+S87G+S70V+D79L+D104P+A112P+D142L;

Y82F+S87G+D79L+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

A27K+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L:

A27K+D79L+Y82F+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

A27K+Y82F+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L;

A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+S87P+D142L.

In a preferred embodiment the thermostable protease is a variant of the mature metallo protease disclosed as the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein with the following mutations:

-   D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L; -   D79L+S87P+D142L; or -   A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.

In an embodiment the protease variant has at least 75% identity preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, but less than 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein.

The thermostable protease may also be derived from any bacterium as long as the protease has the thermostability properties defined according to the invention.

In an embodiment the thermostable protease is derived from a strain of the bacterium Pyrococcus, such as a strain of Pyrococcus furiosus (pfu protease).

In an embodiment the protease is one shown as SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726-B1 (Takara Shuzo Company) and SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

In an embodiment the thermostable protease is one disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 13 herein or a protease having at least 80% identity, such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 96%, such as at least 97%, such as at least 98%, such as at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726-B1 or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein. The Pyroccus furiosus protease can be purchased from Takara Bio, Japan.

The Pyrococcus furiosus protease is a thermostable protease according to the invention. The commercial product Pyrococcus furiosus protease (Pfu S) was found (see Example 5) to have a thermostability of 110% (80° C./70° C.) and 103% (90° C./70° C.) at pH 4.5 determined as described in Example 2.

In one embodiment a thermostable protease has a thermostability value of more than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C. determined as described in Example 2.

In an embodiment the protease has a thermostability of more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 100%, such as more than 105%, such as more than 110%, such as more than 115%, such as more than 120% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

In an embodiment protease has a thermostability of between 20 and 50%, such as between 20 and 40%, such as 20 and 30% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

In an embodiment the protease has a thermostability between 50 and 115%, such as between 50 and 70%, such as between 50 and 60%, such as between 100 and 120%, such as between 105 and 115% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

In an embodiment the protease has a thermostability value of more than 10% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C. determined as described in Example 2.

In an embodiment the protease has a thermostability of more than 10%, such as more than 12%, more than 14%, more than 16%, more than 18%, more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more that 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 100%, more than 110% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C.

In an embodiment the protease has a thermostability of between 10 and 50%, such as between 10 and 30%, such as between 10 and 25% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C.

In an embodiment the protease has more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90% determined as Remaining Activity at 80° C.; and/or

In an embodiment the protease has more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90% determined as Remaining Activity at 84° C.

Determination of “Relative Activity” and “Remaining Activity” is done as described in Example 2.

In an embodiment the protease may have a themostability for above 90, such as above 100 at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay as disclosed in Example 3.

In an embodiment the protease has a themostability above 60%, such as above 90%, such as above 100%, such as above 110% at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay.

In an embodiment protease has a themostability between 60-120, such as between 70-120%, such as between 80-120%, such as between 90-120%, such as between 100-120%, such as 110-120% at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay.

In an embodiment the thermostable protease has at least 20%, such as at least 30%, such as at least 40%, such as at least 50%, such as at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 100% of the activity of the JTP196 protease variant or Protease Pfu determined by the AZCL-casein assay described in the “Materials & Methods”-section.

Carbohydrate-Source Generating Enzyme Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

According to the invention an optional carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular a glucoamylase, preferably a thermostable glucoamylase, may be present and/or added in liquefaction together with an alpha-amylase and hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C., and an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., and an optional a pullulanase and/or optional phytase.

The term “carbohydrate-source generating enzyme” includes any enzymes generating fermentable sugars. A carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is capable of producing a carbohydrate that can be used as an energy-source by the fermenting organism(s) in question, for instance, when used in a process of the invention for producing a fermentation product, such as ethanol. The generated carbohydrates may be converted directly or indirectly to the desired fermentation product, preferably ethanol. According to the invention a mixture of carbohydrate-source generating enzymes may be used, Specific examples include glucoamylase (being glucose generators), beta-amylase and maltogenic amylase (being maltose generators).

In a preferred embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is thermostable. The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular thermostable glucoamylase, may be added together with or separately from the alpha-amylase and the thermostable protease.

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, preferably a thermostable glucoamylase, has a Relative Activity heat stability at 85° C. of at least 20%, at least 30%, preferably at least 35% determined as described in Example 4 (heat stability).

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a relative activity pH optimum at pH 5.0 of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 97%, such as 100% determined as described in Example 4 (pH optimum).

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a pH stability at pH 5.0 of at least at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% determined as described in Example 4 (pH stability).

In a specific and preferred embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a thermostable glucoamylase, preferably of fungal origin, preferably a filamentous fungi, such as from a strain of the genus Penicillium, especially a strain of Penicillium oxalicum, in particular the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 (which is hereby incorporated by reference) and shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

In an embodiment the thermostable glucoamylase has at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identity to the mature polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 or SEQ ID NOs: 14 herein.

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular thermostable glucoamylase, is the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

In a preferred embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 and shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein, having a K79V substitution (referred to as “PE001”) (using the mature sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 for numbering). The K79V glucoamylase variant has reduced sensitivity to protease degradation relative to the parent as disclosed in WO 2013/036526 (which is hereby incorporated by reference).

Contemplated Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase variants are disclosed in WO 2013/053801 (which is hereby incorporated by reference).

In an embodiment these variants have reduced sensitivity to protease degradation.

In an embodiment these variant have improved thermostability compared to the parent.

More specifically, in an embodiment the glucoamylase has a K79V substitution (using SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for numbering), corresponding to the PE001 variant, and further comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combination of substitutions:

-   T65A; Q327F; E501V; Y504T; Y504*; T65A+Q327F; T65A+E501V;     T65A+Y504T; T65A+Y504*; Q327F+E501V; Q327F+Y504T; Q327F+Y504*;     E501V+Y504T; E501V+Y504*; T65A+Q327F+E501V; T65A+Q327F+Y504T;     T65A+E501V+Y504T; Q327F+E501V+Y504T; T65A+Q327F+Y504*;     T65A+E501V+Y504*; Q327F+E501V+Y504*; T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504*; E501V+Y504T; T65A+K161S; T65A+Q405T;     T65A+Q327W; T65A+Q327F; T65A+Q327Y; P11F+T65A+Q327F;     R1K+D3W+K5Q+G7V+N8S+T10K+P11S+T65A+Q327F; P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F;     P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T;     R1E+D3N+P4G+G6R+G7A+N8A+T10D+P11D+T65A+Q327F; P11F+T65A+Q327W;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T;     T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; T65A+S105P+Q327W; T65A+S105P+Q327F;     T65A+Q327W+S364P; T65A+Q327F+S364P; T65A+S103N+Q327F;     P2N+P4S+P11F+K34Y+T65A+Q327F; P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+I172V+Q327F; P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+N502*;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+N502T+P563S+K571E;     P2N+P4S+P11F+R31S+K33V+T65A+Q327F+N564D+K571S;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S377T; P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V325T+Q327W;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+I172V+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S377T+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+Q26N+K34Y+T65A+Q327F;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+I375A+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K218A+K221D+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+S103N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+T10D+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+F12Y+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     K5A+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+T10E+E18N+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+T10E+E18N+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+T568N;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+K524T+G526A;     P2N+P4S+P11F+K34Y+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+R31S+K33V+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+D26N+K34Y+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+F80*+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K112S+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+T516P+K524T+G526A;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+N502T+Y504*;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+S103N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     K5A+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+T516P+K524T+G526A;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V79A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V79G+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V79I+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V79L+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V79S+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+L72V+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; S255N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+E74N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+G220N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Y245N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q253N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+D279N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+165A+Q327F+S359N+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+D370N+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+V460S+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+V460T+P468T+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+T463N+E501V+Y504T;     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S465N+E501V+Y504T; or     P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+T477N+E501V+Y504T.

In a preferred embodiment the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase variant has a K79V substitution using SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for numbering (PE001 variant), and further comprises one of the following mutations:

-   P11F+T65A+Q327F; -   P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; -   P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; -   P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T; -   P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or -   P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T.

In an embodiment the glucoamylase variant, such as Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase variant has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, but less than 100% identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular glycoamylase, may be added in amounts from 0.1-100 micrograms EP/g DS, such as 0.5-50 micrograms EP/g DS, such as 1-25 micrograms EP/g DS, such as 2-12 micrograms EP/g DS.

Pullulanase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

Optionally a pullulanase may be present and/or added during liquefaction step i) together with an alpha-amylase and a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a melting point (DSC) above 80° C. As mentioned above a protease, a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, preferably a thermostable glucoamylase, may also optionally be present and/or added during liquefaction step i).

The pullulanase may be present and/or added during liquefaction step i) and/or saccharification step ii) or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.

Pullulanases (E.C. 3.2.1.41, pullulan 6-glucano-hydrolase), are debranching enzymes characterized by their ability to hydrolyze the alpha-1,6-glycosidic bonds in, for example, amylopectin and pullulan.

Contemplated pullulanases according to the present invention include the pullulanases from Bacillus amyloderamificans disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,651 (hereby incorporated by reference), the pullulanase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 01/151620 (hereby incorporated by reference), the Bacillus deramificans disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 4 in WO 01/151620 (hereby incorporated by reference), and the pullulanase from Bacillus acidopullulyticus disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 01/151620 (hereby incorporated by reference) and also described in FEMS Mic. Let. (1994) 115, 97-106.

Additional pullulanases contemplated according to the present invention included the pullulanases from Pyrococcus woesei, specifically from Pyrococcus woesei DSM No. 3773 disclosed in WO 92/02614.

In an embodiment the pullulanase is a family GH57 pullulanase. In an embodiment the pullulanase includes an X47 domain as disclosed in WO 2011/087836 (which are hereby incorporated by reference). More specifically the pullulanase may be derived from a strain of the genus Thermococcus, including Thermococcus litoralis and Thermococcus hydrothermalis, such as the Thermococcus hydrothermalis pullulanase shown WO 2011/087836 truncated at the X4 site right after the X47 domain. The pullulanase may also be a hybrid of the Thermococcus litoralis and Thermococcus hydrothermalis pullulanases or a T. hydrothermalis/T. litoralis hybrid enzyme with truncation site X4 disclosed in WO 2011/087836 (which is hereby incorporated by reference).

In another embodiment the pullulanase is one comprising an X46 domain disclosed in WO 2011/076123 (Novozymes).

The pullulanase may according to the invention be added in an effective amount which include the preferred amount of about 0.0001-10 mg enzyme protein per gram DS, preferably 0.0001-0.10 mg enzyme protein per gram DS, more preferably 0.0001-0.010 mg enzyme protein per gram DS. Pullulanase activity may be determined as NPUN. An Assay for determination of NPUN is described in the “Materials & Methods”-section below.

Suitable commercially available pullulanase products include PROMOZYME 400L, PROMOZYME™ D2 (Novozymes A/S, Denmark), OPTIMAX L-300 (Genencor Int., USA), and AMANO 8 (Amano, Japan).

Phytase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction

Optionally a phytase may be present and/or added in liquefaction in combination with an alpha-amylase and hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a melting point (DSC) above 80° C.

A phytase used according to the invention may be any enzyme capable of effecting the liberation of inorganic phosphate from phytic acid (myo-inositol hexakisphosphate) or from any salt thereof (phytates). Phytases can be classified according to their specificity in the initial hydrolysis step, viz. according to which phosphate-ester group is hydrolyzed first. The phytase to be used in the invention may have any specificity, e.g., be a 3-phytase (EC 3.1.3.8), a 6-phytase (EC 3.1.3.26) or a 5-phytase (no EC number). In an embodiment the phytase has a temperature optimum above 50° C., such as in the range from 50-90° C.

The phytase may be derived from plants or microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, e.g., yeast or filamentous fungi.

A plant phytase may be from wheat-bran, maize, soy bean or lily pollen. Suitable plant phytases are described in Thomlinson et al, Biochemistry, 1 (1962), 166-171; Barrientos et al, Plant. Physiol., 106 (1994), 1489-1495; WO 98/05785; WO 98/20139.

A bacterial phytase may be from genus Bacillus, Citrobacter, Hafnia, Pseudomonas, Buttiauxella or Escherichia, specifically the species Bacillus subtilis, Citrobacter braakii, Citrobacter freundii, Hafnia alvei, Buttiauxella gaviniae, Buttiauxella agrestis, Buttiauxella noackies and E. coli. Suitable bacterial phytases are described in Paver and Jagannathan, 1982, Journal of Bacteriology 151:1102-1108; Cosgrove, 1970, Australian Journal of Biological Sciences 23:1207-1220; Greiner et al, Arch. Biochem. Biophys., 303, 107-113, 1993; WO 1997/33976; WO 1997/48812, WO 1998/06856, WO 1998/028408; WO 2004/085638, WO 2006/037327, WO 2006/038062, WO 2006/063588, WO 2008/092901, WO 2008/116878; and WO 2010/034835.

A yeast phytase may be derived from genus Saccharomyces or Schwanniomyces, specifically species Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Schwanniomyces occidentails. The former enzyme has been described as a Suitable yeast phytases are described in Nayini et al, 1984, Lebensmittel Wissenschaft and Technologie 17:24-26; Wodzinski et al, Adv. Appl. Microbiol., 42, 263-303; AU-A-24840/95;

Phytases from filamentous fungi may be derived from the fungal phylum of Ascomycota (ascomycetes) or the phylum Basidiomycota, e.g., the genus Aspergillus, Thermomyces (also called Humicola), Myceliophthora, Manascus, Penicillium, Peniophora, Agrocybe, Paxillus, or Trametes, specifically the species Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus niger var. awamori, Aspergillus ficuum, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus oryzae, T. lanuginosus (also known as H. lanuginosa), Myceliophthora thermophila, Peniophora lycii, Agrocybe pediades, Manascus anka, Paxillus involtus, or Trametes pubescens. Suitable fungal phytases are described in Yamada et al., 1986, Agric. Biol. Chem. 322:1275-1282; Piddington et al., 1993, Gene 133:55-62; EP 684,313; EP 0 420 358; EP 0 684 313; WO 1998/28408; WO 1998/28409; JP 7-67635; WO 1998/44125; WO 1997/38096; WO 1998/13480.

In a preferred embodiment the phytase is derived from Buttiauxella, such as Buttiauxella gaviniae, Buttiauxella agrestis, or Buttiauxella noackies, such as the ones disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4 and SEQ ID NO: 6, respectively, in WO 2008/092901 (hereby incorpotared by reference).

In a preferred embodiment the phytase is derived from Citrobacter, such as Citrobacter braakii, such as one disclosed in WO 2006/037328 (hereby incorporated by reference).

Modified phytases or phytase variants are obtainable by methods known in the art, in particular by the methods disclosed in EP 897010; EP 897985; WO 99/49022; WO 99/48330, WO 2003/066847, WO 2007/112739, WO 2009/129489, and WO 2010/034835.

Commercially available phytase containing products include BIO-FEED PHYTASE™, PHYTASE NOVO™ CT or L (all from Novozymes), LIQMAX (DuPont) or RONOZYME™ NP, RONOZYME® HiPhos, RONOZYME® P5000 (CT), NATUPHOS™ NG 5000 (from DSM).

Carbohydrate-Source Generating Enzyme Present and/or Added During Saccharification and/or Fermentation

According to the invention a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, preferably a glucoamylase, is present and/or added during saccharification and/or fermentation.

In a preferred embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase, of fungal origin, preferably from a stain of Aspergillus, preferably A. niger, A. awamori, or A. oryzae; or a strain of Trichoderma, preferably T. reesei; or a strain of Talaromyces, preferably T. emersonii.

Glucoamylase

According to the invention the glucoamylase present and/or added in saccharification and/or fermentation may be derived from any suitable source, e.g., derived from a microorganism or a plant. Preferred glucoamylases are of fungal or bacterial origin, selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus glucoamylases, in particular Aspergillus niger G1 or G2 glucoamylase (Boel et al. (1984), EMBO J. 3 (5), p. 1097-1102), or variants thereof, such as those disclosed in WO 92/00381, WO 00/04136 and WO 01/04273 (from Novozymes, Denmark); the A. awamori glucoamylase disclosed in WO 84/02921, Aspergillus oryzae glucoamylase (Agric. Biol. Chem. (1991), 55 (4), p. 941-949), or variants or fragments thereof. Other Aspergillus glucoamylase variants include variants with enhanced thermal stability: G137A and G139A (Chen et al. (1996), Prot. Eng. 9, 499-505); D257E and D293E/Q (Chen et al. (1995), Prot. Eng. 8, 575-582); N182 (Chen et al. (1994), Biochem, J. 301, 275-281); disulphide bonds, A246C (Fierobe et al. (1996), Biochemistry, 35, 8698-8704; and introduction of Pro residues in position A435 and S436 (Li et al. (1997), Protein Eng. 10, 1199-1204.

Other glucoamylases include Athelia rolfsii (previously denoted Corticium rolfsii) glucoamylase (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,026 and (Nagasaka et al. (1998) “Purification and properties of the raw-starch-degrading glucoamylases from Corticium rolfsii, Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 50:323-330), Talaromyces glucoamylases, in particular derived from Talaromyces emersonii (WO 99/28448), Talaromyces leycettanus (U.S. Pat. No. Re. 32,153), Talaromyces duponti, Talaromyces thermophilus (U.S. Pat. No. 4,587,215). In a preferred embodiment the glucoamylase used during saccharification and/or fermentation is the Talaromyces emersonii glucoamylase disclosed in WO 99/28448.

Bacterial glucoamylases contemplated include glucoamylases from the genus Clostridium, in particular C. thermoamylolyticum (EP 135,138), and C. thermohydrosulfuricum (WO 86/01831).

Contemplated fungal glucoamylases include Trametes cingulata, Pachykytospora papyracea; and Leucopaxillus giganteus all disclosed in WO 2006/069289; and Peniophora rufomarginata disclosed in WO2007/124285; or a mixture thereof. Also hybrid glucoamylase are contemplated according to the invention. Examples include the hybrid glucoamylases disclosed in WO 2005/045018. Specific examples include the hybrid glucoamylase disclosed in Table 1 and 4 of Example 1 (which hybrids are hereby incorporated by reference).

In an embodiment the glucoamylase is derived from a strain of the genus Pycnoporus, in particular a strain of Pycnoporus as described in WO 2011/066576 (SEQ ID NOs 2, 4 or 6), or from a strain of the genus Gloephyllum, in particular a strain of Gloephyllum as described in WO 2011/068803 (SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 or 16) or a strain of the genus Nigrofomes, in particular a strain of Nigrofomes sp, disclosed in WO 2012/064351 (SEQ ID NO: 2) (all references hereby incorporated by reference). Contemplated are also glucoamylases which exhibit a high identity to any of the above-mentioned glucoamylases, i.e., at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to any one of the mature parts of the enzyme sequences mentioned above.

Glucoamylases may in an embodiment be added to the saccharification and/or fermentation in an amount of 0.0001-20 AGU/g DS, preferably 0.001-10 AGU/g DS, especially between 001-5 AGU/g DS, such as 0.1-2 AGU/g DS.

Commercially available compositions comprising glucoamylase include AMG 200L; AMG 300 L; SAN™ SUPER, SAN™ EXTRA L, SPIRIZYME™ PLUS, SPIRIZYME™ FUEL, SPIRIZYME™ B4U, SPIRIZYME™ ULTRA, SPIRIZYME™ EXCEL, SPIRIZYME™ ACHIEVE and AMG™ E (from Novozymes A/S); OPTIDEX™ 300, GC480, GC417 (from Genencor Int.); AMIGASE™ and AMIGASE™ PLUS (from DSM); G-ZYME™ G900, G-ZYME™ and G990 ZR (from Danisco US).

Maltogenic Amylase

The carbohydrate-source generating enzyme present and/or added during saccharification and/or fermentation may also be a maltogenic alpha-amylase. A “maltogenic alpha-amylase” (glucan 1,4-alpha-maltohydrolase, E.C. 3.2.1.133) is able to hydrolyze amylose and amylopectin to maltose in the alpha-configuration. A maltogenic amylase from Bacillus stearothermophilus strain NCIB 11837 is commercially available from Novozymes A/S. Maltogenic alpha-amylases are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,598,048, 4,604,355 and 6,162,628, which are hereby incorporated by reference. The maltogenic amylase may in a preferred embodiment be added in an amount of 0.05-5 mg total protein/gram DS or 0.05-5 MANU/g DS.

Cellulase or Cellulolytic Enzyme Composition Present and/or Added during Saccharification and/or Fermentation or SSF

In a preferred embodiment of the invention a cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is present and/or added in saccharification in step ii) and/or fermentation in step iii) or SSF.

The cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition may comprise one or more cellulolytic enzymes. The cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition may be of any origin. In a preferred embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises cellulolytic enzymes of fungal origin. In an embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is derived from a strain of Trichoderma, such as Trichoderma reesei; or a strain of Humicola, such as Humicola insolens: or a strain of Chrysosporium, such as Chrysosporium lucknowense; or a strain of Penicillium, such as Penicillium decumbens. In a preferred embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition is derived from a strain of Trichoderma reesei. The cellulase may be a beta-glucosidase, a cellobiohydrolase, and an endoglucanase or a combination thereof. The cellulolytic enzyme composition may comprise a beta-glucosidase, a cellobiohydrolase, and an endoglucanase.

In an embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprising one or more polypeptides selected from the group consisting of:

beta-glucosidase;

cellobiohydrolase I;

cellobiohydrolase II;

or a mixture thereof.

In a preferred embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition further comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity. Cellulolytic enhancing activity is defined and determined as described in WO 2011/041397 (incorporated by reference).

The term “GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity” means a GH61 polypeptide that enhances the hydrolysis of a cellulosic material by enzymes having cellulolytic activity. For purposes of the present invention, cellulolytic enhancing activity may be determined by measuring the increase in reducing sugars or the increase of the total of cellobiose and glucose from hydrolysis of a cellulosic material by cellulolytic enzyme under the following conditions: 1-50 mg of total protein/g of cellulose in PCS (Pretreated Corn Stover), wherein total protein is comprised of 50-99.5% w/w cellulolytic enzyme protein and 0.5-50% w/w protein of a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity for 1-7 days at 50° C. compared to a control hydrolysis with equal total protein loading without cellulolytic enhancing activity (1-50 mg of cellulolytic protein/g of cellulose in PCS). In a preferred aspect, a mixture of CELLUCLAST™ 1.5 L (Novozymes A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark) in the presence of 2-3% of total protein weight Aspergillus oryzae beta-glucosidase (recombinantly produced in Aspergillus oryzae according to WO 02/095014) or 2-3% of total protein weight Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (recombinantly produced in Aspergillus oryzae as described in WO 2002/095014) of cellulase protein loading is used as the source of the cellulolytic activity.

The cellulolytic enzyme composition may comprise a beta-glucosidase, preferably one derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as Aspergillus oryzae, such as the one disclosed in WO 2002/095014 or the fusion protein having beta-glucosidase activity disclosed in WO 2008/057637 (see SEQ ID NOs: 74 or 76), or Aspergillus fumigatus, such as one disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein; or an Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase variant disclosed in WO 2012/044915; or a strain of the genus a strain Penicillium, such as a strain of the Penicillium brasilianum disclosed in WO 2007/019442, or a strain of the genus Trichoderma, such as a strain of Trichoderma reesei.

In an embodiment the beta-glucosidase is from a strain of Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, such as Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (SEQ ID NO: 29 herein), or a variant thereof, which variant comprises one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of L89M, G91L, F100D, I140V, I186V, S283G, N456E, and F512Y; such as a variant thereof with the following substitutions:

F100D+S283G+N456E+F512Y;

L89M+G91L+I186V+I140V;

I186V+L89M+I140V+F100D+S283G+N456E+F512Y (using SEQ ID NO: 29 herein for numbering).

The parent beta-glucosidase may have at least 60% identity, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 96%, such as at least 97%, such as at least 98%, such as at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 29 herein.

In case the beta-glucosidase is a beta-glucosidase variant it may have at least 60% identity, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 96%, such as at least 97%, such as at least 98%, such as at least 99%, but less than 100% identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 29 herein.

In case the cellulolytic enzyme composition may comprise a GH61 polypeptide, it may be one derived from the genus Thermoascus, such as a strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus, such as the one described in WO 2005/074656 as SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein; or one derived from the genus Thielavia, such as a strain of Thielavia terrestris, such as the one described in WO 2005/074647 as SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8; or one derived from a strain of Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, such as the one described in WO 2010/138754 as SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO: 2; or one derived from a strain derived from Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium emersonii, such as the one disclosed in WO 2011/041397 as SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein.

In a preferred embodiment the GH61 polypeptide, such as one derived from a strain of Penicillium, preferably a strain of Penicillium emersonii, is selected from the group consisting of:

-   (i) a GH61 polypeptide comprising the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID     NO: 31 herein; -   (ii) a GH61 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at     least 60%, such as at least 70%, e.g., at least 75%, at least 80%,     at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least     93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at     least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ     ID NO: 31 herein.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), such as one derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, such as the Cel7a CBH I disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 2011/057140 or SEQ ID NO: 32 herein, or a strain of the genus Trichoderma, such as a strain of Trichoderma reesei.

In a preferred embodiment the cellobiohydrolase I, such as one derived from a strain of Aspergillus, preferably a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, is selected from the group consisting of:

-   (i) a cellobiohydrolase I comprising the mature polypeptide of SEQ     ID NO: 32 herein; -   (ii) a cellobiohydrolase I comprising an amino acid sequence having     at least 60%, such as at least 70%, e.g., at least 75%, at least     80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at     least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%,     at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the mature polypeptide of     SEQ ID NO: 32 herein.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a cellobiohydrolase II (CBH II), such as one derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus; such as the one disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 33 herein or a strain of the genus Trichoderma, such as Trichoderma reesei, or a strain of the genus Thielavia, such as a strain of Thielavia terrestris, such as cellobiohydrolase II CEL6A from Thielavia terrestris.

In a preferred embodiment cellobiohydrolase II, such as one derived from a strain of Aspergillus, preferably a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, is selected from the group consisting of:

-   (i) a cellobiohydrolase II comprising the mature polypeptide of SEQ     ID NO: 33 herein. -   (ii) a cellobiohydrolase II comprising an amino acid sequence having     at least 60%, such as at least 70%, e.g., at least 75%, at least     80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at     least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%,     at least 98%, or at least 99% identity to the mature polypeptide of     SEQ ID NO: 33 herein.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a beta-glucosidase.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity derived from a strain of Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium emersonii, such as the one disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/041397 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein, and a beta-glucosidase.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, a beta-glucosidase, and a CBH I.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity derived from a strain of Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium emersonii, such as the one disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/041397 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein, a beta-glucosidase, and a CBHI.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, a beta-glucosidase, a CBHI, and a CBHII.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity derived from a strain of Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium emersonii, such as the one disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/041397 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein, a beta-glucosidase, a CBHI, and a CBHII.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition, further comprising Thermoascus aurantiacus GH61A polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/074656 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein), and Aspergillus oryzae beta-glucosidase fusion protein (WO 2008/057637).

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition, further comprising Thermoascus aurantiacus GH61A polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity (SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/074656 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein) and Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein).

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition further comprising Penicillium emersonii GH61A polypeptide disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/041397 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein, and Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein, or a variant thereof, which variant has one of, preferably all of, the following substitutions: F100D, S283G, N456E, F512Y.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises one or more of the following components:

-   (i) an Aspergillus fumigatus cellobiohydrolase I; -   (ii) an Aspergillus fumigatus cellobiohydrolase II; -   (iii) an Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase or variant thereof.

In an embodiment the Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (SEQ ID NO: 29 herein), comprises one or more substitutions selected from the group consisting of L89M, G91L, F100D, I140V, I186V, S283G, N456E, and F512Y; such as a variant thereof, with the following substitutions:

-   F100D+S283G+N456E+F512Y; -   L89M+G91L+I186V+I140V; or -   I186V+L89M+G91L+I140V+F100D+S283G+N456E+F512Y.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition further comprises the Penicillium sp. GH61 polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 31 herein; or a GH61 polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, e.g., at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 31 herein.

In an embodiment the cellulolytic enzyme composition comprising the following components:

-   (i) Aspergillus fumigatus cellobiohydrolase I shown in SEQ ID NO: 32     herein; -   (ii) Aspergillus fumigatus cellobiohydrolase II shown in SEQ ID NO:     33 herein; -   (iii) a variant of Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase shown in     SEQ ID NO: 29 with the following substitutions:     F100D+S283G+N456E+F512Y; and -   (iv) Penicillium sp. GH61 polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 31 herein.

In an embodiment cellulolytic enzyme composition is dosed (i.e, during saccharification in step ii) and/or fermentation in step iii) or SSF) from 0.0001-3 mg EP/g DS, preferably 0.0005-2 mg EP/g DS, preferably 0.001-1 mg/g DS, more preferred from 0.005-0.5 mg EP/g DS, even more preferred 0.01-0.1 mg EP/g DS.

Examples of Preferred Processes of the Invention

In a preferred embodiment the invention relates to a process for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material comprising the steps of:

i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the range between from above 4.0-6.5 at a temperature in the range from 70-100° C. using:

-   -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus;     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70°         C.;

ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;

iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment the process of the invention comprises the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the range     between from above 4.5-6.2 at a temperature above the initial     gelatinization temperature using:     -   an alpha-amylase, preferably derived from Bacillus         stearothermophilus, having a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM         CaCl₂ of at least 10;     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.;     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70°         C.; -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme; -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment the process of the invention comprises the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the range     between from above 4.0-6.5 at a temperature between 70-100° C.:     -   a bacterial alpha-amylase, preferably derived from Bacillus         stearothermophilus, having a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM         CaCl₂ of at least 10;     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.; —an optional endoglucanase having a Melting         Point (DSC), between 70° C. and 95° C.;     -   optionally a protease, preferably derived from Pyrococcus         furiosus or Thermoascus aurantiacus, having a thermostability         value of more than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80°         C./70° C.; -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme; -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment the process of the invention comprises the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the range     between from above 4.0-6.5 at a temperature above the initial     gelatinization temperature using:     -   an alpha-amylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 having a double deletion         in positions R179+G180 or I181+G182, and optional substitution         N193F; and optionally further one of the following set of         substitutions:     -   E129V+K177L+R179E;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;     -   E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V (using SEQ ID NO: 1         herein for numbering);     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.; such as an xylanase having at least 60%,         such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably         at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at         least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at         least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at         least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even         at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as         100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID         NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein; preferably SEQ ID NO: 5 herein;     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC), between         70° C. and 95° C.; such as an endoglucanase having at least 60%,         such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably         at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at         least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at         least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at         least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even         at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as         100% to the mature part of the any of the polypeptides shown in         SEQ ID NOs: 9, 35, 36, 37 or 38 herein;     -   optionally a protease having a thermostability value of more         than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.         derived from Pyrococcus furiosus and/or Thermoascus aurantiacus;     -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO: 14         herein, preferably having substitutions selected from the group         of:     -   K79V;     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; (using SEQ ID NO: 14 for         numbering);     -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;     -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment the process of the invention comprises the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the range     between from above 4.0-6.5 at a temperature between 70-100° C.     using:     -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus having         a double deletion in positions I181+G182, and optional         substitution N193F; and optionally further one of the following         set of substitutions:     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S: or     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V (using SEQ ID NO: 1         herein (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering);     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.;     -   such as an xylanase having at least 60%, such as at least 70%,         such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more         preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more         preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more         preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even         most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at         least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to         the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and         34 herein; preferably SEQ ID NO: 5 herein     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC), between         70° C. and 95° C.; preferably having at least 90% identity to         the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein;     -   a optional protease having a thermostability value of more than         20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C. derived         from Pyrococcus furiosus and/or Thermoascus aurantiacus; and     -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO: 14         herein, preferably having substitutions selected from the group         of:     -   K79V; or     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F (using SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for         numbering);     -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;     -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment the process of the invention comprises the steps of:

-   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the range     between from above 4.0-6.5 at a temperature between 70-100° C.     using:     -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus having         a double deletion in positions I181+G182, and optional         substitution N193F; and optionally further one of the following         set of substitutions:     -   E129V+K177L+R179E;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V;     -   E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO: 1         herein for numbering);     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.;     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC), between         70° C. and 95° C.; preferably having at least 90% identity to         the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein;     -   a protease having a thermostability value of more than 20%         determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C. derived from         Pyrococcus furiosus;     -   a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein,         preferably having substitutions selected from the group of:     -   K79V;     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T (using SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for         numbering); -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme; -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

In a preferred embodiment a cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is present and/or added during fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.

In a preferred embodiment a cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition derived from Trichoderma reesei is present and/or added during fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF).

In a preferred embodiment a cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition and a glucoamylase are present and/or added during fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.

In an embodiment the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is derived from Trichoderma reesei, Humicola insolens, Chrysosporium lucknowense or Penicillium decumbens.

A Composition of the Invention

A composition of the invention comprises an alpha-amylase, such as a thermostable alpha-amylase, and a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.; an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.; an optional protease, such as a thermostable protease. The composition may also further comprise a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular a glucoamylase, optionally a pullulanase and optionally a phytase too.

Therefore, in this aspect the invention relates to composition comprising:

-   -   an alpha-amylase;     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70°         C.;     -   optionally a protease;     -   optionally a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme.

Alpha-amylase: The alpha-amylase may be any alpha-amylase. In a preferred embodiment the alpha-amylase is a bacterial alpha-amylases, such as alpha-amylases derived from the genus Bacillus, such as Bacillus stearomthermphilus, preferably the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

The alpha-amylase may be a thermostable alpha-amylase. The thermostable alpha-amylase may have a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂) of at least 10, such as at least 15, such as at least 20, such as at least 25, such as at least 30, such as at least 40, such as at least 50, such as at least 60, such as between 10-70, such as between 15-70, such as between 20-70, such as between 25-70, such as between 30-70, such as between 40-70, such as between 50-70, such as between 60-70.

In an embodiment the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase variants, in particular truncated to be 491 amino acids long, such as from 480 to 495 amino acids long, with mutations selected from the group of:

-   I181*+G182*; -   I181*+G182*+N193F; -   preferably -   I181*+G182*+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using     SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

It should be understood that these alpha-amylases are only specific examples. Any alpha-amylase disclosed above in the “Alpha-Amylase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section above may be used as the alpha-amylase component in a composition of the invention.

Endocilucanase: According to the invention an optional endoglucanase component may be comprised in the composition. It may be any endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., such as above 75° C., in particular above 80° C., such as between 70° C. and 95° C., determined using the “Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) Assay” described in the “Materials & Methods”—section below.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 72° C., such as above 74° C., such as above 76° C., such as above 78° C., such as above 80° C., such as above 82° C. such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as between 70° C. and 95° C., such as between 76° C. and 94° C., such as between 78° C. and 93° C., such as between 80° C. and 92° C., such as between 82° C. and 91° C., such as between 84° C. and 90° C.

In a preferred embodiment the endoglucanase used in a process of the invention comprised in a composition of the invention is a Glycoside Hydrolase Family 5 endoglucnase or GH5 endoglucanase (see the CAZy database on the “www.cazy.org” webpage. In an embodiment the GH5 endoglocianase is from family EG II, such as the Talaromyces leycettanus endoglucanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 9 herein; Penicillium capsulatum endoglucanase show in SEQ ID NO: 35 herein, and Trichophaea saccata endoglucanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 36 herein.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase is a family GH45 endoglucanase. In an embodiment the GH45 endoglocianase is from family EG V, such as the Sordana fimicola shown in SEQ ID NO: 38 herein or Thielavia terrestris endoglucnase shown in SEQ ID NO: 37 herein.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein. In an embodiment the endoglucanase is derived from a strain of the genus Talaromyces, such as a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 35 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium capsulatum.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 36 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Trichophaea, such as a strain of Trichophaea saccata.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 37 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Thielavia, such as a strain of Thielavia terrestris.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 38 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Sordaria, such as a strain of Sordaria fimicola.

It should be understood that these endoglucanases are only specific examples. Any endoglucanase disclosed above in the “Thermostable Endoglucanase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section above may be used as the optional endoglucoanase component in a composition of the invention.

In an especially preferred embodiment the endoglucanase (EG) has at least 90% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.

Protease: A composition of the invention may optionally comprise a protease, such as a thermosyable protease. There is no limitation on the origin of the protease component as long as it fulfills the thermostability properties defined herein.

In an embodiment the protease is of fungal origin. In an embodiment the protease is a metallo protease. In an embodiment the protease is derived from Thermoascus aurantiacus shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 herein.

In a preferred embodiment the protease is a variant of the Thermoascus aurantiacus protease mentioned above having a thermostability value of more than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C. determined as described in Example 2.

In a specific preferred embodiment the protease is a variant of the metallo protease derived from Thermoascus aurantiacus disclosed as the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein with mutations selected from the group of:

-   -   D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+D142L; and     -   A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.

In another embodiment the protease is a bacterial protease. In another embodiment the protease is a serine protease. In a preferred embodiment the protease is derived from a strain of Pyrococcus furiosus, such as the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726 or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

It should be understood that these proteases are only examples. Any protease disclosed above in the “Protease Present and/or Added During Liquefaction” section above may be used as the protease component in a composition of the invention.

Carbohydrate-source generating enzymes: A composition of the invention may optionally further comprise a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, in particular a glucoamylase, such as a thermostable glucoamylase which has a heat stability at 85° C., pH 5.3, of at least 30%, preferably at least 35%.

Said carbohydrate-source generating enzyme may be a thermostable glucoamylase having a Relative Activity heat stability at 85° C. of at least 20%, at least 30%, preferably at least 35% determined as described in Example 4 (Heat stability).

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a relative activity pH optimum at pH 5.0 of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 97%, such as 100% determined as described in Example 4 (pH optimum).

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a pH stability at pH 5.0 of at least at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90% determined as described in Example 4 (pH stability).

In a preferred embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a thermostable glucoamylase, preferably of fungal origin, preferably a filamentous fungi, such as from a strain of the genus Penicillium, especially a strain of Penicillium oxalicum disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 (which is hereby incorporated by reference), or a variant thereof, and shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

In an embodiment the glucoamylase, or a variant thereof, may have at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 or SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

In a specific and preferred embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 and shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein, having a K79V substitution (using the mature sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for numbering). The K79V glucoamylase variant has reduced sensitivity to protease degradation relative to the parent as disclosed in WO 2013/036526 (which is hereby incorporated by reference).

Examples of suitable thermostable Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase variants are listed above and in Examples 17 and 18 below.

In an embodiment the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme, such as glucoamyase, such as Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase, has pullulanase side-activity.

It should be understood that these carbohydrate-source generating enzymes, in particular glucoamylases, are only examples. Any carbohydrate-source generating enzyme disclosed above in the “Carbohydrate-source generating enzyme Present and/or Added During Liquefaction” section above may be used as component in a composition of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment the the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein or a sequence having at least 90% identity thereto further comprising a K79V substitution.

Pullulanase: A composition of the invention may optionally further comprise a pullulanase. The pullulanase may be of any origin.

In an embodiment the pullulanase is of bacterial origin. In an embodiment the pullulanase is derived from a strain of Bacillus sp.

In an embodiment the pullulanase is a family GH57 pullulanase. In a preferred embodiment the pullulanase includes an X47 domain as disclosed in WO 2011/087836 (which is hereby incorporated by reference).

Specifically the pullulanase may be derived from a strain from the genus Thermococcus, including Thermococcus litoralis and Thermococcus hydrothermalis or a hybrid thereof.

The pullulanase may be Thermococcus hydrothermalis pullulanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 11 herein truncated at site X4 or a Thermococcus hydrothermalis/T. litoralis hybrid enzyme (SEQ ID NO: 12 herein) with truncation site X4 as disclosed in WO 2011/087836.

The another embodiment the pullulanase is one comprising an X46 domain disclosed in WO 2011/076123 (Novozymes).

It should be understood that these pullulanases are only specific examples. Any pullulanase disclosed above in the “Pullulanase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section above may be used as the optional pullulanase component in a composition of the invention.

Phytase: A composition of the invention may optionally further comprise a phytase. The phytase may be of any origin.

In an embodiment the phytase is of bacterial origin. In an embodiment the phytase is derived from a strain of from Buttiauxella, such as Buttiauxella gaviniae, such as the one disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 (amino acids 1-33 are expected signal peptide) in WO 2008/092901; or Buttiauxella agrestis, such as the one shown as SEQ ID NO: 4 (amino acids −9 to −1 are expected to be a part of the signal peptide) in WO 2008/092901; or Buttiauxella noackies, such as the one shown as SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 2008/092901.

In another embodiment the phytase is derived from a strain of Citrobacter, such as a strain of Citrobacter braakii, such as ones disclosed as SEQ ID NOs: 2 or 4 in WO 2006/037328 (hereby incorporated by reference).

It should be understood that these phytases are only specific examples. Any phytase disclosed above in the “Phytase Present and/or Added During Liquefaction”-section above may be used as the optional pullulanase component in a composition of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment the phytase is derived from a strain of Buttiauxella.

Examples of Preferred Embodiments of the Composition of the Invention

In a preferred embodiment the composition of the invention comprises

-   -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus;     -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.;     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70°         C., such as between 70° C. and 95° C.;     -   optionally a protease having a thermostability value of more         than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.         derived from Pyrococcus furiosus or Thermoascus auranticus; and     -   optionally a glucoamylase, such as one derived from Penicillium         oxalicum.

In another embodiment the composition of the invention comprises

-   -   an alpha-amylase, preferably derived from Bacillus         stearothermophilus; having a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM         CaCl₂ of at least 10;     -   a hemicellulase, preferably a xylanase, having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 80° C.;     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) between         70° C. and 95° C.;         -   an optional protease, preferably derived from Pyrococcus             furiosus or Thermoascus aurantiacus, having a             thermostability value of more than 20% determined as             Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.; and         -   optionally a glucoamylase, e.g., derived from Penicillium             oxalicum.

In another embodiment the composition of the invention comprises

-   -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus having         a double deletion in positions I181+G182, and optionally         substitution N193F; and optionally further one of the following         set of substitutions:     -   E129V+K177L+R179E;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and     -   E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO: 1         herein for numbering);     -   a hemicellulase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.;     -   an optional endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70°         C.;     -   optionally a protease, preferably derived from Pyrococcus         furiosus and/or Thermoascus aurantiacus, having a         thermostability value of more than 20% determined as Relative         Activity at 80° C./70° C.; and     -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO: 14         having substitutions selected from the group of:     -   K79V;     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T, or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T, or     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T (using SEQ ID NO: 14 for         numbering).

In an embodiment the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (SEQ ID NO: 1 herein), or a variant thereof, is the mature alpha-amylase or corresponding mature alpha-amylases having at least 80% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to the SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

In an embodiment the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 or GH11 xylanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 90° C., such as above 92° C., such as above 94° C., such as above 96° C., such as above 98° C., such as above 100° C., such as between 80° C. and 110° C., such as between 82° C. and 110° C., such as between 84° C. and 110° C.

Examples of suitable hemicellulases, in particular xylanases, include the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 herein or SEQ ID NO: 34 herein derived from a strain of Dictyogllomus thermophilum; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 4 herein derived from a strain of Rasomsonia byssochlamydoides; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 herein derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus; the xylanase shown in SEQ ID NO: 8 herein derived from a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus or a polypeptide having hemicellulase, preferably xylanase activity, having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein.

In an embodiment the optional endoglucoanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 74° C., such as above 76° C., such as above 78° C., such as above 80° C., such as above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as between 70° C. and 95° C., such as between 76° C. and 94° C., such as between 78° C. and 93° C., such as between 80° C. and 92° C., such as between 82° C. and 91° C., such as between 84° C. and 90° C.

In an embodiment the optional endoglucanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 35, 36, 37 or 38 herein.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 80% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein.

In an embodiment the endoglucanase has at least 90% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein having a Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.

In an embodiment the Pyrococcus furiosus protease (SEQ ID NO: 13 herein) and/or Thermoascus aurantiacus protease (SEQ ID NO: 2 herein), or a variant thereof, is the mature protease or corresponding mature protease having at least 80% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to the SEQ ID NO: 2 herein or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein, respectively.

In an embodiment 1 the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase (SEQ ID NO: 14 herein), or a variant thereof, is the mature glucoamylase or corresponding mature glucoamylase having at least 80% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to the SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

Further Aspects of the Invention

In a further aspect of the invention it relates to the use of a composition of the invention for liquefying a starch-containing material.

In a final aspect of the invention is relates to methods of producing liquefied starch, comprising liquefying a starch-containing material with a composition of the invention.

The invention is further summarized in the following paragraphs:

1. A process for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material comprising the steps of:

i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature above the initial gelatinization temperature using:

-   -   an alpha-amylase;     -   a hemicellulase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.;

ii) saccharifying using a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme;

iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

2. The process of paragraph 1, wherein the hemicellulase is a xylanase, in particular a GH10 xylanase or a GH11 xylanase.

3. The process of paragraph 1 or 2, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 or GH11 xylanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 90° C., such as above 92° C., such as above 94° C., such as above 96° C., such as above 98° C., such as above 100° C., such as between 80° C. and 110° C., such as between 82° C. and 110° C., such as between 84° C. and 110° C.

4. The process of any of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 or GH11 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 herein (GH10) or SEQ ID NO: 34 herein (GH11), preferably derived from a strain of the genus Dictyoglomus, such as a strain of Dictyogilomus thermophilum.

5. The process any of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Rasamsonia, such as a strain of Rasomsonia byssochlamydoides.

6. The process of any of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Talaromyces, such as a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus.

7. The process of paragraphs 1 or 2, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 8 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus.

8. The process of any of paragraphs 1-7, wherein

an alpha-amylase;

a hemicellulase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C., especially above 90° C., in particular 95° C.;

an optional endoglucanase having Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C., in particular above 80° C., especially above 85° C.; are present and/or added in liquefaction step i).

9. The process of any of paragraphs 1-8, further comprises, prior to the liquefaction step i), the steps of:

-   -   a) reducing the particle size of the starch-containing material,         preferably by dry milling;     -   b) forming a slurry comprising the starch-containing material         and water.

10. The process of any of paragraphs 1-9, wherein at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, especially at least 90% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with #6 screen.

11. The process of any of paragraphs 1-10, wherein the pH during liquefaction is between 4.0-6.5, such as 4.5-6.2, such as above 4.8-6.0, such as between 5.0-5.8.

12. The process of any of paragraphs 1-11, wherein the temperature during liquefaction is in the range from 70-100° C., such as between 70-95° C., such as between 75-90° C., preferably between 80-90° C., such as around 85° C.

13. The process of any of paragraphs 1-12, wherein a jet-cooking step is carried out before liquefaction in step i).

14. The process of paragraph 13, wherein the jet-cooking is carried out at a temperature between 95-160° C., such as between 110-145° C., preferably 120-140° C., such as 125-135° C., preferably around 130° C. for about 1-15 minutes, preferably for about 3-10 minutes, especially around about 5 minutes.

15. The process of any of paragraphs 1-14, wherein saccharification and fermentation is carried out sequentially or simultaneously.

16. The process of any of paragraphs 1-15, wherein saccharification is carried out at a temperature from 20-75° C., preferably from 40-70° C., such as around 60° C., and at a pH between 4 and 5.

17. The process of any of paragraphs 1-16, wherein fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is carried out at a temperature from 25° C. to 40° C., such as from 28° C. to 35° C., such as from 30° C. to 34° C., preferably around about 32° C., such as for 6 to 120 hours, in particular 24 to 96 hours.

18. The process of any of paragraphs 1-17, wherein the fermentation product is recovered after fermentation, such as by distillation.

19. The process of any of paragraphs 1-18, wherein the fermentation product is an alcohol, preferably ethanol, especially fuel ethanol, potable ethanol and/or industrial ethanol.

19. The process of any of paragraphs 1-18, wherein the starch-containing starting material is whole grains.

20. The process of any of paragraphs 1-19, wherein the starch-containing material is derived from corn, wheat, barley, rye, milo, sago, cassava, manioc, tapioca, sorghum, rice or potatoes.

21. The process of any of paragraphs 1-20, wherein the fermenting organism is yeast, preferably a strain of Saccharomyces, especially a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

23. The process of any of paragraphs 1-22, wherein the alpha-amylase is a bacterial alpha-amylase, in particular derived from the genus Bacillus, such as a strain of Bacillus stearothermophilus, in particular a variant of a Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, such as the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/019467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

24. The process of paragraph 23, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase or variant thereof is truncated, preferably to be around 491 amino acids long, such as from 480-495 amino acids long.

25. The process of any of paragraphs 23 or 24, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase has a double deletion in positions I181+G182, and optionally a N193F substitution, or a double deletion in positions R179+G180 (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

26. The process of any of paragraphs 23-25 wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase has a substitution in position S242, preferably a S242Q or a S242A substitution (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

27. The process of any of paragraphs 23-26, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase has a substitution in position E188, preferably E188P substitution (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

28. The process of any of paragraphs 1-27, wherein the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂) of at least 10, such as at least 15, such as at least 20, such as at least 25, such as at least 30, such as at least 40, such as at least 50, such as at least 60, such as between 10-70, such as between 15-70, such as between 20-70, such as between 25-70, such as between 30-70, such as between 40-70, such as between 50-70, such as between 60-70.

29. The process of any of paragraphs 1-28, wherein the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase variants with the following mutations: I181*+G182*, and optionally N193F (using SEQ ID NO: 1 for numbering) and optionally further:

V59A + Q89R + G112D + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + H208Y + K220P + N224L + Q254S; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + D269E + D281N; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + I270L; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + H274K; V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + Y276F; V59A + E129V + R157Y + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + H208Y + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + H274K; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S +Y276F; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + D281N; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + M284T; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + G416V; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S; V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + M284T; A91L + M96I + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; E129V + K177L + R179E; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + Y276F + L427M; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + M284T; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + N376* + I377*; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S; E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + M284T; E129V + K177L + R179E + S242Q; E129V + K177L + R179V + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S; M284V; V59A Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + Q254S + M284V.

30. The process of any of paragraphs 1-29, wherein the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase variants:

I181*+G182*;

I181*+G182*+N193F;

-   preferably -   I181*+G182*+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E; -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S     -   I181*+G182*+N193F+V59A Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V: and

I181*+G182*+N193F+E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO: 1 for numbering).

31. The process of any of paragraphs 1-30, further wherein a protease is present and/or added in liquefaction, wherein the protease has a thermostability value of more than 25% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

32. The process of any of paragraphs 1-31, wherein the protease has a thermostability of more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 100%, such as more than 105%, such as more than 110%, such as more than 115%, such as more than 120% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

33. The process of any of paragraphs 1-26, wherein the protease has a thermostability of between 20 and 50%, such as between 20 and 40%, such as 20 and 30% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

34. The process of any of paragraphs 1-33, wherein the protease has a thermostability between 50 and 115%, such as between 50 and 70%, such as between 50 and 60%, such as between 100 and 120%, such as between 105 and 115% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C. or wherein the protease has a thermostability of more than 10%, such as more than 12%, more than 14%, more than 16%, more than 18%, more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more that 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 100%, more than 110% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C.

35. The process of any of paragraphs 1-34, wherein the protease has thermostability of between 10 and 50%, such as between 10 and 30%, such as between 10 and 25% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C.

36. The process of any of paragraphs 1-35, wherein the protease has a themostability above 60%, such as above 90%, such as above 100%, such as above 110% at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay.

37. The process of any of paragraphs 1-36, wherein the protease has a themostability between 60-120, such as between 70-120%, such as between 80-120%, such as between 90-120%, such as between 100-120%, such as 110-120% at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay.

38. The process of any of paragraphs 1-37, wherein the protease is of fungal origin.

39. The process of any of paragraphs 1-38, wherein the protease is a variant of the metallo protease derived from a strain of the genus Thermoascus, preferably a strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus, especially Thermoascus aurantiacus CGMCC No. 0670, in particular the mature sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2.

40. The process of any of paragraphs 1-39, wherein the protease is a variant of the metallo protease disclosed as the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein mutations selected from the group of:

-   -   S5*+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;     -   S5*+N26R+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   N26R+T46R+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   T46R+D79L+S87P+T116V+D142L;     -   D79L+P81R+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+T124V+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+A112P+T124V+A126V+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   S38T+D79L+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L;     -   A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+N98C+A112P+G135C+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L+T141C+M161C;     -   S36P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   A37P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   S49P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   S50P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+S87P+D104P+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L;     -   S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+D104P+A112P+D142L;     -   S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+D142L;     -   D79L+Y82F+S87G+A12P+A126V+D142L;     -   Y82F+S87G+S70V+D79L+D104P+A112P+D142L;     -   Y82F+S87G+D79L+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L,     -   A27K+D79D+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L,     -   A27K+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.     -   A27K+D79L+Y82F+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L;     -   A27K+Y82F+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L;     -   A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L; and     -   D79L+S87P+D142L.

41. The process of any of paragraphs 1-40, wherein the protease is a variant of the metallo protease disclosed as the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein with the following mutations:

D79D+S87P+A112P+D142L;

D79L+S87P+D142L; or

A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.

42. The process of any of paragraphs 1-41, wherein the protease variant has at least 75% identity preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, but less than 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein.

43. The process of any of paragraphs 1-42, wherein the protease variant of the Thermoascus aurantiacus protease shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 is one of the following:

D79L+S87P+D142.

D79D+S87P+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+D142L

S38T+D79D+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L

A27K+D79L+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L

S49P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L

S50P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L

D79L+S87P+D104P+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L

S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+A112P+D142L

D79D+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+D104P+A112P+D142L

S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L

D79D+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+A126V+D142L

Y82F+S87G+S70V+D79L+D104P+A112P+D142L

Y82F+S87G+D79L+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L

A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.

44. The process of any of paragraphs 1-43, wherein the protease is of bacterial origin.

45. The process of any of paragraphs 1-44, wherein the protease is derived from a strain of Pyrococcus, preferably a strain of Pyrococcus furiosus.

46. The process of any of paragraphs 1-45, wherein the protease is the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726 or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

47. The process of any of paragraphs 1-46, wherein the protease is one having at least 80%, such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 96%, such as at least 97%, such as at least 98%, such as at least 99% identity to in SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726 or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

48. The process of any of paragraphs 1-47, further wherein a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is present and/or added during liquefaction step i), preferably a glucoamylase.

49. The process of any of paragraphs 1-48, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme present and/or added during liquefaction step i) is a glucoamylase having a heat stability at 85° C., pH 5.3, of at least 20%, such as at least 30%, preferably at least 35%.

50. The process of any of paragraphs 48-49, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a relative activity pH optimum at pH 5.0 of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 97%.

51. The process of any of paragraphs 48-50, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a pH stability at pH 5.0 of at least at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%.

52. The process of any of paragraphs 48-51, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme present and/or added during liquefaction step i) is a glucoamylase, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Penicillium, especially a strain of Penicillium oxaticum disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO2011/127802 or SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

53. The process of claim 48-52, wherein the glucoamylase has at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identity to the mature polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 or SEQ ID NO: 14 (mature) herein.

54. The process of any of paragraphs 48-53, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a variant of the glucoamylase derived from a strain of Penicillium oxaficum disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 having a K79V substitution (using the mature sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for numbering).

55. The process of any of paragraphs 52-54, wherein the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase has a K79V substitution (using the mature sequence shown as SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for numbering) and further one of the following:

T65A; or

Q327F; or

E501V; or

Y504T: or

Y504*; or

T65A+Q327F; or

T65A+E501V; or

T65A+Y504T; or

T65A+Y504*; or

Q327F+E501V; or

Q327F+Y504T; or

Q327F+Y504*; or

E501V+Y504T; or

E501V+Y504*; or

T65A+Q327F+E501V; or

T65A+Q327F+Y504T; or

T65A+E501V+Y504T; or

Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

T65A+Q327F+Y504*; or

T65A+E501V+Y504*; or

Q327F+E501V+Y504*; or

T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504*;

E501V+Y504T; or

T65A+K161S; or

T65A+Q405T; or

T65A+Q327W; or

T65A+Q327F; or

T65A+Q327Y; or

P11F+T65A+Q327F; or

R1K+D3W+K5Q+G7V+N8S+T10K+P11S+T65A+Q327F; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or

P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T; or

R1E+D3N+P4G+G6R+G7A+N8A+T10D+P11D+T65A+Q327F; or

P11F+T65A+Q327W; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T; or

T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

T65A+S105P+Q327W; or

T65A+S105P+Q327F; or

T65A+Q327W+S364P; or

T65A+Q327F+S364P; or

T65A+S103N+Q327F; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+K34Y+T65A+Q327F; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+I172V+Q327F; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+N502*; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+N502T+P563S+K571E; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+R31S+K33V+T65A+Q327F+N564D+K571S; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S377T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+V325T+Q327W; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+I172V+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S377T+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+D26N+K34Y+T65A+Q327F; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+I375A+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K218A+K221D+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+S103N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+T10D+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+F12Y+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

K5A+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+T10E+E18N+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+T10E+E18N+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+T568N; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+K524T+G526A; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+K34Y+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+R31S+K33V+T65A+Q327F+D445N+V447S+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+D26N+K34Y+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+F80*+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K112S+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+T516P+K524T+G526A; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+N502T+Y504*; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+S103N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

K5A+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T+T516P+K524T+G526A; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K79A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K79G+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K79I+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K79L+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+K79S+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+L72V+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

S255N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+E74N+V79K+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+G220N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Y245N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q253N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+D279N+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S359N+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+D370N+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+V460S+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+V460T+P468T+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+T463N+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+S465N+E501V+Y504T; or

P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+T477N+E501V+Y504T.

56. The process of any of paragraphs 48-55, further wherein a glucoamylase is present and/or added during saccharification and/or fermentation.

57. The process of any of paragraphs 1-56, wherein the glucoamylase present and/or added during saccharification and/or fermentation is of fungal origin, preferably from a stain of Aspergillus, preferably Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus awamori, or Aspergillus oryzae; or a strain of Trichoderma, preferably T. reesei; or a strain of Talaromyces, preferably T. emersonii, or a strain of Pycnoporus, or a strain of Gloephyllum, or a strain of the Nigrofomes.

58. The process of any of paragraphs 1-57, further wherein a pullulanase is present and/or added during liquefaction and/or saccharification.

59. The process of any of paragraphs 1-58, further wherein an endoglucnase is present and/or added during liquefaction step i).

60. The process of paragraphs 59, wherein the endoglucnase is the one shown as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2013/019780 or in SEQ ID NO: 9 herein, e.g., derived from a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus, or an endoglucanase having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 9 herein.

61. The process of paragraphs 1-59, wherein a phytase is present and/or added during liquefaction and/or saccharification.

62. The process of any of paragraphs 1-61, comprising the steps of:

-   -   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature in         the range from 70-100° C. using:         -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus;         -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting             Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C.,             especially above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.;     -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;     -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

63. A process of paragraphs 1-62, comprising the steps of:

-   -   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature         above the initial gelatinization temperature using:         -   an alpha-amylase, preferably derived from Bacillus             stearothermophilus, having a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C.,             0.12 mM CaCl₂ of at least 10;         -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting             Point (DSC) above 80° C.; preferably above 85° C.,             especially above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.;         -   optionally an endoglucanase, in particular one having a             Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C.;     -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;     -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

64. A process of paragraphs 1-63, comprising the steps of:

-   -   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature         between 70-100° C. using:         -   a bacterial alpha-amylase, preferably derived from Bacillus             stearothermophilus, having a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C.,             0.12 mM CaCl₂ of at least 10;         -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting             Point (DSC), above 80° C., preferably above 85° C.,             especially above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.;         -   optionally a protease, preferably derived from Pyrococcus             furiosus or Thermoascus aurantiacus, having a             thermostability value of more than 20% determined as             Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.;         -   optionally an endoglucanase, in particular one having a             Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.;     -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;     -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

65. A process of paragraphs 1-64, comprising the steps of:

-   -   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a pH in the         range between from above 4.0-6.5 at a temperature above the         initial gelatinization temperature using:         -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus             having a double deletion I181+G182, and optional             substitution N193F; and optionally further comprising one of             the following set of substitutions:         -   E129V+K177L+R179E;         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;         -   E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S;         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V (using SEQ ID NO: 1             herein for numbering);         -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting             Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C.,             especially above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.; in             particular a xylanase having at least 60%, such as at least             70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%,             more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%,             more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%,             even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least             94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at             least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% to the             mature part of any of the polypeptides shown in SEQ ID NOs:             3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein;         -   optionally a protease having a thermostability value of more             than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.,             in particular derived from Pyrococcus furiosus and/or             Thermoascus aurantiacus; and optionally         -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO:             14 herein having substitutions selected from the group of:         -   K79V;         -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or         -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; (using SEQ ID NO: 14 hereinfor             numbering);         -   optionally an endoglucanase, in particular one having a             Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C.,             especially above 80° C.;         -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;         -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

66. A process of paragraphs 1-65, comprising the steps of:

-   -   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature         between 70-100° C. using:         -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus             having a double deletion I181+G182, and optional             substitution N193F; and optionally further comprising one of             the following set of substitutions:         -   E129V+K177L+R179E;         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E;         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S; or         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V (using SEQ ID NO: 1             herein for numbering);         -   a hemicellulase, preferably xylanase, having a Melting Point             (DSC), above 80° C., preferably above 85° C., especially             above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.; in particular a             xylanase having at least 80% identity to the mature part of             the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein;         -   optionally an endoglucanase, in particular an having a             Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C.,             especially above 80° C.;         -   optionally a protease having a thermostability value of more             than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.,             in particular a protease derived from Pyrococcus furiosus             and/or Thermoascus aurantiacus; and         -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO:             14 herein comprising substitutions selected from the group             of:         -   K79V; or         -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or         -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F (using SEQ ID NO: 14 for             numbering);         -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;         -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

67. A process of paragraphs 1-65, comprising the steps of:

-   -   i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature         between 70-100° C. using:         -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus             having a double deletion I181+G182, and optional             substitution N193F; and optionally further comprising one of             the following set of substitutions:         -   E129V+K177L+R179E;         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E;         -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;         -   V59A Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V;         -   E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO:             1 herein for numbering);         -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting             Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C.,             especially above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.; in             particular a xylanase having at least 60%, such as at least             70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%,             more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%,             more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%,             even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least             94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at             least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% to the             mature part of any of the polypeptides shown in SEQ ID NOs:             3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein;         -   optionally an endoglucanase having a Melting Point (DSC),             above 70° C., preferably above 75° C., especially above 80°             C.;         -   optionally a protease having a thermostability value of more             than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.,             in particular one derived from Pyrococcus furiosus;         -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO:             14 herein having substitutions selected from the group of:         -   K79V; or         -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or         -   K79V+P2N+P45+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or         -   K79V+P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; or         -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T; or         -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or         -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T (using SEQ ID NO: 14 for             numbering);         -   optionally an endoglucanase in particular one having a             Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C.,             especially above 80° C.;         -   ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme;         -   iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism.

68. The process of any of paragraphs 62-67, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase (SEQ ID NO: 1 herein) is the mature alpha-amylase or corresponding mature alpha-amylases having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 80% identity, such as at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to the SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

69. The process of any of paragraphs 64-68, wherein the Pyrococcus furiosus protease (SEQ ID NO: 13 herein) or Thermoascus aurantiacus protease (SEQ ID NO: 3) is the mature protease or corresponding mature protease having at least 80% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 13 herein or SEQ ID NO: 3 herein, respectively.

70. The process of any of paragraphs 65-69, wherein the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase (SEQ ID NO: 14 herein), or a variant thereof, is the mature glucoamylase or corresponding mature glucoamylase having at least 80% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to the SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

71. The process of any of paragraphs 1-70, wherein cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is present or adding during fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.

72. The process of any of paragraphs 1-71, wherein a cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition and a glucoamylase are present or added during fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.

73. The process of any of paragraphs 1-72, wherein cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition and glucoamylase present or added during fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation added.

74. The process of any of paragraphs 71-73 wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is derived from Trichoderma reesei, Humicola insolens, Chrysosporium lucknowense or Penicillium decumbens.

75. The process of any of paragraphs 71-74, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a beta-glucosidase, a cellobiohydrolase, and an endoglucanase.

76. The process of any of paragraphs 71-75, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a beta-glucosidase, preferably one derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as Aspergillus oryzae, such as the one disclosed in WO 2002/095014 or the fusion protein having beta-glucosidase activity disclosed in WO 2008/057637, or Aspergillus fumigatus, such as one disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein or an Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase variant disclosed in WO 2012/044915; or a strain of the genus a strain Penicillium, such as a strain of the Penicillium brasilianum disclosed in WO 2007/019442, or a strain of the genus Trichoderma, such as a strain of Trichoderma reesei.

77. The process of any of paragraphs 71-76, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity such as one derived from the genus Thermoascus, such as a strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus, such as the one described in WO 2005/074656 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein; or one derived from the genus Thielavia, such as a strain of Thielavia terrestris, such as the one described in WO 2005/074647 as SEQ ID NO: 7; or one derived from a strain of Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, such as the one described in WO 2010/138754 as SEQ ID NO: 1; or one derived from a strain derived from Penicillium, such as a strain of Penicillium emersonii, such as the one disclosed in WO 2011/041397 as SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein.

78. The process of any of paragraphs 71-77, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I), such as one derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus, such as the Cel7a CBH I disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 6 in WO 2011/057140 or SEQ ID NO: 32 herein, or a strain of the genus Trichoderma, such as a strain of Trichoderma reesei.

79. The process of any of paragraphs 71-78, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a cellobiohydrolase II (CBH II), such as one derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus; such as the one disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 33 herein or a strain of the genus Trichoderma, such as Trichoderma reesei, or a strain of the genus Thielavia, such as a strain of Thielavia terrestris, such as cellobiohydrolase II CEL6A from Thielavia terrestris.

80. The process of any of paragraphs 71-79, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a beta-glucosidase.

81. The process of any of paragraphs 71-80, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity and a beta-glucosidase.

82. The process of any of paragraphs 71-81, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, a beta-glucosidase, and a CBH I.

83. The process of any of paragraphs 71-82, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises a GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity, a beta-glucosidase, a CBH I, and a CBH II.

84. The process of any of paragraphs 71-83, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition, further comprising Thermoascus aurantiacus GH61A polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity (SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/074656 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein), and Aspergillus oryzae beta-glucosidase fusion protein (WO 2008/057637).

85. The process of any of paragraphs 71-84, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition, further comprising Thermoascus aurantiacus GH61A polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity (SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2005/074656 or SEQ ID NO: 30 herein) and Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2005/047499 or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein).

86. The process of any of paragraphs 71-85, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is a Trichoderma reesei cellulolytic enzyme composition further comprising Penicillium emersonii GH61A polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity disclosed in WO 2011/041397 as SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 31 herein; and Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase (SEQ ID NO: 2 of WO 2005/047499) or SEQ ID NO: 29 herein or a variant thereof with one or more, such as all, of the following substitutions: F100D, S283G, N456E, F512Y.

87. The process of any of paragraphs 71-86, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition comprises one or more of the following components

(i) an Aspergillus fumigatus cellobiohydrolase I;

(ii) an Aspergillus fumigatus cellobiohydrolase II;

(iii) an Aspergillus fumigatus beta-glucosidase or variant thereof; and

(iv) a Penicillium sp. GH61 polypeptide having cellulolytic enhancing activity; or homologs thereof.

88. The process of any of paragraphs 71-87, wherein the cellulase or cellulolytic enzyme composition is SPIRIZYME ACHIEVE™, CELLIC CTEC™, CELLIC CTEC2™, CELLIC CTEC3™, ACCELLERASE 1000™, ACCELLERASE 1500™, ACCELLERASE DUET™, ACCELLERASE TRIO™.

89. The process of any of paragraphs 71-88, wherein the glucoamylase present or added during saccharification or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation is of fungal origin, preferably from a stain of Aspergillus, preferably Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus awamori, or Aspergillus oryzae: or a strain of Trichoderma, preferably T. reesei; or a strain of Talaromyces, preferably T. emersonii, or a strain of Pycnoporus, or a strain of Gloephyllum, or a strain of the Nigrofomes.

90. The process of any of paragraphs 72-89, wherein the glucoamylase is a blend of glucoamylase derived from Talaromyces emersonii disclosed in WO 99/28448 or SEQ ID NO: 28 herein, Trametes cingulata glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 06/69289 or SEQ ID NO: 26 herein, and Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase with Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and SBD disclosed as V039 in Table 5 in WO 2006/069290 or SEQ ID NO: 27 herein.

91. The process of any of paragraphs 72-90, wherein the alpha-amylase is the Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase having an Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and starch-binding domain (SBD) (SEQ ID NO: 27 herein) which further comprises at least one of the following substitutions or combinations of substitutions: D165M; Y141W; Y141R; K136F; K192R; P224A; P224R; S123H+Y141W; G20S+Y141W; A76G+Y141W; G128D+Y141W; G128D+D143N; P219C+Y141W; N142D+D143N; Y141W+K192R; Y141W+D143N; Y141W+N383R; Y141W+P219C+A265C; Y141W+N142D+D143N; Y141W+K192R V410A: G128D+Y141W+D143N; Y141W+D143N+P2190; Y141W+D143N+K192R; G128D+D143N+K192R; Y141W+D143N+K192R+P2190; G128D+Y141W+D143N+K192R; or G128D+Y141W+D143N+K192R+P219C (using SEQ ID NO: 27 herein for numbering).

92. A composition comprising:

-   -   an alpha-amylase;     -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C., especially         above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.;     -   optionally an endoglucanase;     -   optionally a protease;     -   optionally a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme.

93. The composition of paragraph 92, wherein the alpha-amylase is a bacterial or fungal alpha-amylase.

94. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-93, wherein the alpha-amylase is a bacterial alpha-amaylase, in particular from the genus Bacillus, such as a strain of Bacillus stearothermophilus, in particular a variant of a Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase, such as the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 3 in WO 99/019467 or SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

95. The composition of paragraph 94, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase or variant thereof is truncated, preferably to be around 491 amino acids long, such as from 480-495 amino acids long.

96. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-95, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase has a double deletion in positions I181+G182, and optionally a N193F substitution, or a double deletion in positions R179+G180 (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

97. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-96 wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase has a substitution in position S242, preferably S2420 substitution (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering),

98. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-97, wherein the Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase has a substitution in position E188, preferably E188P substitution (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

99. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-98, wherein the alpha-amylase has a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM CaCl₂) of at least 10, such as at least 15, such as at least 20, such as at least 25, such as at least 30, such as at least 40, such as at least 50, such as at least 60, such as between 10-70, such as between 15-70, such as between 20-70, such as between 25-70, such as between 30-70, such as between 40-70, such as between 50-70, such as between 60-70.

100. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-99, wherein the alpha-amylase is selected from the group of Bacillus stearomthermphilus alpha-amylase variants shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 herein having a double deletion in I181*+G182*, and optionally a subsitution in N193F, in particular further having one of the following set of substitutions:

E129V+K177L+R179E;

V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E;

V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;

V59A Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and

E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering).

101, The composition of any of paragraphs 92-100, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, such as GH10 xylanase or GH11 xylanase, has a Melting Point (DSC) above 82° C., such as above 84° C., such as above 86° C., such as above 88° C., such as above 90° C., such as above 92° C., such as above 94° C., such as above 96° C., such as above 98° C., such as above 100° C.

102. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-101, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 or GH11 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 3 herein (GH10 xylanase) or SEQ ID NO: 34 (GH11 xylanase), preferably derived from a strain of the genus Dictyoglomus, such as a strain of Dictyogllomus thermophilum.

103. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-101, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 4 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Rasamsonia, such as a strain of Rasomsonia byssochlamydoides.

104. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-101, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 5 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Talaromyces, such as a strain of Talaromyces leycettanus.

105. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-101, wherein the hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, especially GH10 xylanase has at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, such as 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 8 herein, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Aspergillus, such as a strain of Aspergillus fumigatus.

106. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-105, comprising

-   -   an alpha-amylase;     -   a hemicellulase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.         preferably above 85° C., especially above 90° C., in particular         above 95° C.;     -   an endoglucanase having Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C.,         preferably above 75° C., especially above 80° C., in particular         above 85° C.

107. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-106, wherein the protease with a thermostability value of more than 20%, such as more than 25% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

108. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-107, wherein the protease has a thermostability of more than 30%, more than 40%, more than 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 100%, such as more than 105%, such as more than 110%, such as more than 115%, such as more than 120% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

109. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-108, wherein the protease has a thermostability of between 20 and 50%, such as between 20 and 40%, such as 20 and 30% determined as Relative Activity at 8° C./70° C.

110. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-109, wherein the protease has a thermostability between 50 and 115%, such as between 50 and 70%, such as between 50 and 60%, such as between 100 and 120%, such as between 105 and 115% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.

111. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-110, wherein the protease has a thermostability of more than 10%, such as more than 12%, more than 14%, more than 16%, more than 18%, more than 20%, more than 30%, more than 40%, more that 50%, more than 60%, more than 70%, more than 80%, more than 90%, more than 100%, more than 110% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C.

112. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-111, wherein the protease has thermostability of between 10 and 50%, such as between 10 and 30%, such as between 10 and 25% determined as Relative Activity at 85° C./70° C.

113. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-112, wherein the protease has a themostability above 60%, such as above 90%, such as above 100%, such as above 110% at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay.

114. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-113, wherein the protease has a themostability between 60-120, such as between 70-120%, such as between 80-120%, such as between 90-120%, such as between 100-120%, such as 110-120% at 85° C. as determined using the Zein-BCA assay.

115. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-114, wherein the protease is of fungal origin.

116. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-115, wherein the protease is a variant of the metallo protease derived from a strain of the genus Thermoascus, preferably a strain of Thermoascus aurantiacus, especially Thermoascus aurantiacus CGMCC No. 0670, in particular the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 herein.

117. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-116, wherein the protease is a variant of the protease disclosed as the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein with the following mutations:

D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L:

D79L+S87P+D142L; or

A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L (using SEQ ID NO: 2 herein for numbering).

118. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-118, wherein the protease variant has at least 75% identity preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, but less than 100% identity to the mature part of the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2 disclosed in WO 2003/048353 or the mature part of SEQ ID NO: 1 in WO 2010/008841 or SEQ ID NO: 2 herein.

119. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-118, wherein the protease variant of the Thermoascus aurantiacus protease shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 herein is one of the following:

D79L+S87P+D142L

D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+D142L

S38T+D79L+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L

A27K+D79D+S87P+A112P+A126V+D142L

S49P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L

S50P+D79L+S87P+A112P+D142L

D79L+S87P+D104P+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L

S70V+D79D+Y82F+387G+Y97W+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87G+Y97W+D104P+A112P+D142L

S70V+D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+D142L

D79L+Y82F+S87G+A112P+A126V+D142L

Y82F+S87G+S70V+D79L+D104P+A112P+D142L

Y82F+S87G+D79L+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L

A27K+D79L+Y82F+S87G+D104P+A112P+A126V+D142L.

120. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-119, wherein the protease is of bacterial origin.

121. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-120, wherein the protease is derived from a strain of Pyrococcus, preferably a strain of Pyrococcus furiosus.

122. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-121, wherein the protease is the one shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726 or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

123. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-122, wherein the protease is one having at least 80%, such as at least 85%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 96%, such as at least 97%, such as at least 98%, such as at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 1 in U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,726 or SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

124. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-123, wherein a carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase.

125. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-124, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a heat stability at 85° C., pH 5.3, of at least 20%, such as at least 30%, preferably at least 35%.

126. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-125, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a relative activity pH optimum at pH 5.0 of at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, preferably at least 97%.

127. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-126, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase having a pH stability at pH 5.0 of at least at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%.

128. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-127, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a glucoamylase, preferably derived from a strain of the genus Penicillium, especially a strain of Penicillium oxalicum disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 or SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

129. The composition of paragraphs 92-128, wherein the glucoamylase has at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% or 100% identity to the mature polypeptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 or SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

130. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-129, wherein the carbohydrate-source generating enzyme is a variant of the glucoamylase derived from a strain of Penicillium oxalicum disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 having a K79V substitution (using the mature sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 for numbering),

131. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-130, further comprising a pullulanase, in particular a pullulanase of family GH57, wherein the pullulanase preferably includes an X47 domain as disclosed in WO 2011/087836.

132. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-131, further comprising a phytase.

133. The composition of paragraph 132, wherein the phytase is derived from Buttiauxelia, such as Buttiauxella gaviniae, Buttiauxella agrestis, or Buttiauxella noackies disclosed in WO 2008/092901, or Citrobacter braakii, such as one disclosed in WO 2006/037328.

134. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-136 comprising

-   -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophiius;     -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 80° C., preferably above 85° C., especially         above 90° C., in particular above 95° C.;     -   optionally a protease having a thermostability value of more         than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80° C./70° C.         derived from Pyrococcus furiosus or Thermoascus aurantiacus; and     -   optionally an endoglucanase in particular one having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C., especially         above 80° C., in particular above 85° C.; in particular a         xylanase having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at         least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at         least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at         least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at         least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most         preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least         97%, at least 98%, at least 99% to the mature part of any of the         polypeptides shown in SEQ ID NOs: 9, 35, 36, 37 and 38 herein;     -   optionally a glucoamylase, such as one derived from Penicillium         oxalicum.

135. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-134, comprising

-   -   an alpha-amylase, preferably derived from Bacillus         stearothermophilus, having a T½ (min) at pH 4.5, 85° C., 0.12 mM         CaCl₂ of at least 10;     -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase, having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 80° C. preferably above 75° C., especially         above 80° C., in particular above 85° C.;     -   optionally an endoglucanase, in particular one having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C., especially         above 80° C.; in particular above 85° C.; in particular a         xylanase having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at         least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at         least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at         least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at         least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most         preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least         97%, at least 98%, at least 99% to the mature part of any of the         polypeptides shown in SEQ ID NOs: 9, 35, 36, 37 or 38 herein;     -   optionally a protease, preferably derived from Pyrococcus         furiosus or Thermoascus aurantiacus, having a thermostability         value of more than 20% determined as Relative Activity at 80°         C./70° C.; and     -   optionally a glucoamylase, e.g., derived from Penicillium         oxalicum.

136. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-135, comprising

-   -   an alpha-amylase derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus having         a double deletion I181+G182 and optionally substitution N193F;         and optionally further one of the following set of         substitutions:     -   E129V+K177L+R179E;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+H208Y+K220P+N224L+Q254S;     -   V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V; and     -   E129V+K177L+R179E+K220P+N224L+S242Q+Q254S (using SEQ ID NO: 1         herein for numbering);     -   a hemicellulase, in particular a xylanase having a Melting Point         (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C., in particular above         80° C., especially above 85° C.; in particular a xylanase having         at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at least 75%         identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%,         more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at least 91%, more         preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at least 93%, most         preferably at least 94%, and even most preferably at least 95%,         such as even at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least         99% to the mature part of any of the polypeptides shown in SEQ         ID NOs: 3, 4, 5, 8 and 34 herein;     -   optionally an endoglucanase, in particular one having a Melting         Point (DSC) above 70° C., preferably above 75° C., especially         above 80° C., in particular above 85° C.; in particular a         xylanase having at least 60%, such as at least 70%, such as at         least 75% identity, preferably at least 80%, more preferably at         least 85%, more preferably at least 90%, more preferably at         least 91%, more preferably at least 92%, even more preferably at         least 93%, most preferably at least 94%, and even most         preferably at least 95%, such as even at least 96%, at least         97%, at least 98%, at least 99% to the mature part of any of the         polypeptides shown in SEQ ID NOs: 9, 35, 36, 37 and 38 herein;     -   optionally a protease, preferably derived from Pyrococcus         furiosus and/or Thermoascus aurantiacus, having a         thermostability value of more than 20% determined as Relative         Activity at 80° C./70° C.; and     -   optionally a Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase in SEQ ID NO: 14         herein having substitutions selected from the group of:     -   K79V;     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P11F+D26C+K33C+T65A+Q327F; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T; or     -   K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F+E501V+Y504T; or     -   K79V+P11F+T65A+Q327W+E501V+Y504T (using SEQ ID NO: 14 herein for         numbering),

137. The composition of any of paragraphs 92-136, wherein the alpha-amylase is a bacterial alpha-amylase in particular derived from Bacillus stearothermophllus (SEQ ID NO: 1 herein), or a variant thereof, is the mature alpha-amylase or corresponding mature alpha-amylases having at least 80% identity, at least 90% identity, at least 95% identity at least 96% identity at least 97% identity at least 99% identity to the SEQ ID NO: 1 herein.

138. Use of a composition of paragraphs 92-137 for liquefying a starch-containing material. hemicellulase, in particular xylanase, in liquefaction in a fermentation product production process.

The invention described and claimed herein is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments herein disclosed, since these embodiments are intended as illustrations of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalent embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. In the case of conflict, the present disclosure including definitions will control. Various references are cited herein, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. The present invention is further described by the following examples which should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Materials & Methods

Materials:

Alpha-Amylase 369 (AA369): Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase with the mutations: I181*1+G182*+N193F+V59A+Q89R+E129V+K177L+R179E+Q254S+M284V truncated to 491 amino acids (SEQ ID NO: 1 herein). Endoglucanase TL (EG TL): Endoglucoanase GH5 from Talaromyces leycettanus disclosed in WO2013/019780 as SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ ID NO: 9 herein. (P23YSQ).

Xylalanase TL (TI Xyl): Family GH10 xylanase from Talaromyces leycettanus shown in SEQ ID NO: 5 herein.

Xylanase DT (Dt Xyl): Family GH11 xylanase from Dictyoglomus thermophilum shown in SEQ ID NO: 34 herein.

Endoglucanase PC (EG PC): Endoglucanase GH5 from Penicillium capsulatum disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 35 herein. (P244HZ)

Endoglucanase TS (EG TS): Endoglucanase GH5 from Trichophaea saccata disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 36 herein. (P2PJ)

Endoglucanase TT (EG TT): Endoglucoanase GH45 from Thielavia terrestris disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 37 herein. (P24PYU)

Endoglucanase SF (EG SF): Endoglucanase GH45 from Sordaria fimicola disclosed in co-pending application PCT/CN2012/080220 as SEQ ID NO: 2 and SEQ IDNO: 38 herein (P2CF).

Protease Pfu: Protease derived from Pyrococcus furiosus purchased from Takara Bio (Japan) as Pfu Protease S (activity 10.5 mg/mL) and also shown in SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

Glucoamylase Po: Mature part of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2011/127802 and shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 herein.

Glucoamylase PE001: Variant of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase having a K79V substitution using the mature sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 14 for numbering.

Protease Pfu: Protease derived from Pyrococcus furiosus shown in SEQ ID NO: 13 herein.

Glucoamylase Po 498 (GA498): Variant of Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase having the following mutations: K79V+P2N+P4S+P11F+T65A+Q327F (using SEQ ID NO: 14 for numbering).

Glucoamylase SA (GSA): Blend comprising Talaromyces emersonii glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 34 in WO99/28448 or SEQ ID NO: 28 herein, Trametes cingulata glucoamylase disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 06/69289 or SEQ ID NO: 26 herein, and Rhizomucor pusillus alpha-amylase with Aspergillus niger glucoamylase linker and starch binding domain (SBD) disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 27 herein having the following substitutions G128D+D143N (activity ratio in AGU:AGU:FAU-F is about 20:5:1).

Protease X: Metallo protease derived from Thermoascus aurantiacus CGMCC No. 0670 disclosed as amino acids 1-177 in SEQ ID NO: 2 herein and amino acids 1-177 in SEQ ID NO: 2 in WO 2003/048353

Yeast: ETHANOL RED™ available from Red Star/Lesaffre, USA.

Methods

Determination of Td by Differential Scanning calorimetry for Endoglucanases and Hemicellulases.

The thermostability of an enzyme is determined by Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a VP-Capillary Differential Scanning calorimeter (MicroCal Inc., Piscataway, N.J., USA). The thermal denaturation temperature, Td (° C.), is taken as the top of denaturation peak (major endothermic peak) in thermograms (Cp vs. T) obtained after heating enzyme solutions (approx. 0.5 mg/ml) in buffer (50 mM acetate, pH 5.0) at a constant programmed heating rate of 200 K/hr.

Sample- and reference-solutions (approx. 0.2 ml) are loaded into the calorimeter (reference: buffer without enzyme) from storage conditions at 10° C. and thermally pre-equilibrated for 20 minutes at 20° C. prior to DSC scan from 20° C. to 120° C. Denaturation temperatures are determined at an accuracy of approximately +/−1° C.

Identity: The relatedness between two amino acid sequences or between two nucleotide sequences is described by the parameter “identity”.

For purposes of the present invention the degree of identity between two amino acid sequences, as well as the degree of identity between two nucleotide sequences, may be determined by the program “align” which is a Needleman-Wunsch alignment (i.e. a global alignment). The program is used for alignment of polypeptide, as well as nucleotide sequences. The default scoring matrix BLOSUM50 is used for polypeptide alignments, and the default identity matrix is used for nucleotide alignments. The penalty for the first residue of a gap is −12 for polypeptides and −16 for nucleotides. The penalties for further residues of a gap are −2 for polypeptides, and −4 for nucleotides.

“Align” is part of the FASTA package version v20u6 (see W. R. Pearson and D. J. Lipman (1988), “Improved Tools for Biological Sequence Analysis”, PNAS 85:2444-2448, and W. R. Pearson (1990) “Rapid and Sensitive Sequence Comparison with FASTP and FASTA,” Methods in Enzymology 183:63-98). FASTA protein alignments use the Smith-Waterman algorithm with no limitation on gap size (see “Smith-Waterman algorithm”, T. F. Smith and M. S. Waterman (1981) J. Mol. Biol. 147:195-197).

Protease Assays

AZCL-Casein Assay

A solution of 0.2% of the blue substrate AZCL-casein is suspended in Borax/NaH₂PO₄ buffer pH9 while stirring. The solution is distributed while stirring to microtiter plate (100 microL to each well), 30 microL enzyme sample is added and the plates are incubated in an Eppendorf Thermomixer for 30 minutes at 45° C. and 600 rpm. Denatured enzyme sample (100° C. boiling for 20 min) is used as a blank. After incubation the reaction is stopped by transferring the microtiter plate onto ice and the coloured solution is separated from the solid by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 5 minutes at 4° C. 60 microL of supernatant is transferred to a microtiter plate and the absorbance at 595 nm is measured using a BioRad Microplate Reader.

pNA-Assay

50 microL protease-containing sample is added to a microtiter plate and the assay is started by adding 100 microL 1 mM pNA substrate (5 mg dissolved in 100 microL DMSO and further diluted to 10 mL with Borax/NaH₂PO₄ buffer pH 9.0). The increase in OD₄₀₅ at room temperature is monitored as a measure of the protease activity.

Glucoamylase Activity (AGU)

Glucoamylase activity may be measured in Glucoamylase Units (AGU).

The Novo Glucoamylase Unit (AGU) is defined as the amount of enzyme, which hydrolyzes 1 micromole maltose per minute under the standard conditions 37° C., pH 4.3, substrate: maltose 23.2 mM, buffer: acetate 0.1 M, reaction time 5 minutes.

An autoanalyzer system may be used. Mutarotase is added to the glucose dehydrogenase reagent so that any alpha-D-glucose present is turned into beta-D-glucose. Glucose dehydrogenase reacts specifically with beta-D-glucose in the reaction mentioned above, forming NADH which is determined using a photometer at 340 nm as a measure of the original glucose concentration.

AMG incubation: Substrate: maltose 23.2 mM Buffer: acetate 0.1M pH: 4.30 ± 0.05 Incubation temperature: 37° C. ± 1 Reaction time: 5 minutes Enzyme working range: 0.5-4.0 AGU/mL

Color reaction: GlucDH: 430 U/L Mutarotase: 9 U/L NAD: 0.21 mM Buffer: phosphate 0.12M; 0.15M NaCl pH: 7.60 ± 0.05 Incubation temperature: 37° C. ± 1 Reaction time: 5 minutes Wavelength: 340 nm

A folder (EB-SM-0131.02/01) describing this analytical method in more detail is available on request from Novozymes A/S, Denmark, which folder is hereby included by reference.

Alpha-Amylase Activity (KNU)

The alpha-amylase activity may be determined using potato starch as substrate. This method is based on the break-down of modified potato starch by the enzyme, and the reaction is followed by mixing samples of the starch/enzyme solution with an iodine solution. Initially, a blackish-blue color is formed, but during the break-down of the starch the blue color gets weaker and gradually turns into a reddish-brown, which is compared to a colored glass standard.

One Kilo Novo alpha amylase Unit (KNU) is defined as the amount of enzyme which, under standard conditions (i.e., at 37° C.+/−0.05; 0.0003 M Ca²⁺; and pH 5.6) dextrinizes 5260 mg starch dry substance Merck Amylum solubile.

A folder EB-SM-0009.02/01 describing this analytical method in more detail is available upon request to Novozymes A/S, Denmark, which folder is hereby included by reference.

Alpha-Amylase Activity (KNU-A)

Alpha amylase activity is measured in KNU(A) Kilo Novozymes Units (A), relative to an enzyme standard of a declared strength.

Alpha amylase in samples and α-glucosidase in the reagent kit hydrolyze the substrate (4,6-ethylidene(G₇)-p-nitrophenyl(G₁)-α,D-maltoheptaoside (ethylidene-G₇PNP) to glucose and the yellow-colored p-nitrophenol.

The rate of formation of p-nitrophenol can be observed by Konelab 30. This is an expression of the reaction rate and thereby the enzyme activity.

The enzyme is an alpha-amylase pith the enzyme classification number EC 3.2.1.1.

Parameter Reaction conditions Temperature 37° C. pH 7.00 (at 37° C.) Substrate conc. Ethylidene-G₇PNP, R2: 1.86 mM Enzyme conc. 1.35-4.07 KNU(A)/L (conc. of high/low standard in reaction mixture) Reaction time 2 min Interval kinetic measuring 7/18 sec. time Wave length 405 nm Conc. of reagents/chemicals α-glucosidase, R1: ≥3.39 kU/L critical for the analysis

A folder EB-SM-5091.02-D on determining KNU-A actitvity is available upon request to Novozymes A/S, Denmark, which folder is hereby included by reference.

Alpha-Amylase Activity KNU(S)

BS-amylase in samples and the enzyme alpha-glucosidase in the reagent kit hydrolyze substrate (4,6-ethylidene(G7)-p-nitrophenyl(G1)-alpha-D-maltoheptaoside (ethylidene-G7PNP)) to glucose and the yellow-colored p-nitrophenol.

The rate of formation of p-nitrophenol can be observed by Konelab 30. This is an expression of the reaction rate and thereby the enzyme activity.

Reaction Conditions

Reaction pH 7.15 Temperature 37° C. Reaction Time 180 sec Detection Wavelength 405 nm Measuring Time 120 sec

Unit definition: Bacillus stearothermophilus amylase (BS-amylase) activity is measured in KNU(S), Kilo Novo Units (sterarothermophilus), relative to an enzyme standard of a declared strength. This analytical method is described in more details in EB-SM-0221.02 (incorporated by reference) available from Novozymes A/S, Denmark, on request.

Determination of FAU Activity

One Fungal Alpha-Amylase Unit (FAU) is defined as the amount of enzyme, which breaks down 5.26 g starch (Merck Amylum solubile Erg. B.6, Batch 9947275) per hour based upon the following standard conditions:

Substrate Soluble starch Temperature 37° C. pH 4.7 Reaction time 7-20 minutes Determination of Acid Alpha-Amylase Activity (AFAU)

Acid alpha-amylase activity is measured in AFAU (Acid Fungal Alpha-amylase Units), which are determined relative to an enzyme standard.

The standard used is AMG 300 L (from Novozymes A/S, glucoamylase wildtype Aspergillus niger G1, also disclosed in Boel et al, (1984), EMBO J. 3 (5), p. 1097-1102) and WO 92/00381). The neutral alpha-amylase in this AMG falls after storage at room temperature for 3 weeks from approx. 1 FAU/mL to below 0.05 FAU/mL.

The acid alpha-amylase activity in this AMG standard is determined in accordance with the following description. In this method, 1 AFAU is defined as the amount of enzyme, which degrades 5.260 mg starch dry matter per hour under standard conditions.

Iodine forms a blue complex with starch but not with its degradation products. The intensity of colour is therefore directly proportional to the concentration of starch. Amylase activity is determined using reverse colorimetry as a reduction in the concentration of starch under specified analytic conditions.

Alpha-amylase _Starch + Iodine _→ _Dextrins + Oligosaccharides 40° C., pH 2.5 _Blue/violet _t = 23 sec. _Decoloration Standard Conditions/Reaction Conditions: (Per Minute)

_Substrate: _Starch, approx. 0.17 g/L Buffer: Citate, approx. 0.03M Iodine (I₂): 0.03 g/L CaCl₂: 1.85 mM pH: 2.50 ± 0.05 Incubation temperature: 40° C. _Reaction time: _23 seconds _Wavelength: _lambda = 590 nm Enzyme concentration: 0.025 AFAU/mL Enzyme working range: 0.01-0.04 AFAU/mL

If further details are preferred these can be found in EB-SM-0259.02/01 available on request from Novozymes A/S, and incorporated by reference.

Determination of Pullulanase Activity (NPUN)

Endo-pullulanase activity in NPUN is measured relative to a Novozymes pullulanase standard. One pullulanase unit (NPUN) is defined as the amount of enzyme that releases 1 micro mol glucose per minute under the standard conditions (0.7% red pullulan (Megazyme), pH 5, 40° C., 20 minutes). The activity is measured in NPUN/ml using red pullulan.

1 mL diluted sample or standard is incubated at 40° C. for 2 minutes. 0.5 mL 2% red pullulan, 0.5 M KCl, 50 mM citric acid, pH 5 are added and mixed. The tubes are incubated at 40° C. for 20 minutes and stopped by adding 2.5 ml 80% ethanol. The tubes are left standing at room temperature for 10-60 minutes followed by centrifugation 10 minutes at 4000 rpm. OD of the supernatants is then measured at 510 nm and the activity calculated using a standard curve.

EXAMPLES Example

Stability of Alpha-Amylase Variants

The stability of a reference alpha-amylase (Bacillus stearothermophilus alpha-amylase with the mutations I181*+G182*+N193F truncated to 491 amino acids (SEQ ID NO: 1 herein for numbering)) and alpha-amylase variants thereof was determined by incubating the reference alpha-amylase and variants at pH 4.5 and 5.5 and temperatures of 75° C. and 85° C. with 0.12 mM CaCl₂ followed by residual activity determination using the EnzChek® substrate (EnzChek® Ultra Amylase assay kit, E33651, Molecular Probes).

Purified enzyme samples were diluted to working concentrations of 0.5 and 1 or 5 and 10 ppm (micrograms/ml) in enzyme dilution buffer (10 mM acetate, 0.01% Triton X100, 0.12 mM CaCl₂, pH 5.0). Twenty microliters enzyme sample was transferred to 48-well PCR MTP and 180 microliters stability buffer (150 mM acetate, 150 mM MES, 0.01% Triton X100, 0.12 mM CaCl₂, pH 4.5 or 5.5) was added to each well and mixed. The assay was performed using two concentrations of enzyme in duplicates. Before incubation at 75° C. or 85° C., 20 microliters was withdrawn and stored on ice as control samples. Incubation was performed in a PCR machine at 75° C. and 85° C. After incubation samples were diluted to 15 ng/mL in residual activity buffer (100 mM Acetate, 0.01% Triton X100, 0.12 mM CaCl₂, pH 5.5) and 25 microliters diluted enzyme was transferred to black 384-MTP. Residual activity was determined using the EnzChek substrate by adding 25 microliters substrate solution (100 micrograms/ml) to each well. Fluorescence was determined every minute for 15 minutes using excitation filter at 485-P nm and emission filter at 555 nm (fluorescence reader is Polarstar, BMG). The residual activity was normalized to control samples for each setup.

Assuming logarithmic decay half life time (T½ (min)) was calculated using the equation: T½ (min)=T(min)*LN(0.5)/LN(% RA/100), where T is assay incubation time in minutes, and % RA is % residual activity determined in assay.

Using this assay setup the half life time was determined for the reference alpha-amylase and variant thereof as shown in Table 1.

TABLE 1 T½ (min) T½ (min) T½ (min) (pH 4.5, 75° C., (pH 4.5, 85° C., (pH 5.5, 85° C., Mutations 0.12 mM CaCl₂) 0.12 mM CaCl₂) 0.12 mM CaCl₂) Reference Alpha-Amylase A 21 4 111 Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 32 6 301 the substitution V59A Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 28 5 230 the substitution V59E Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 28 5 210 the substitution V59I Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 30 6 250 the substitution V59Q Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 149 22 ND the substitutions V59A + Q89R + G112D + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 28 ND the substitutions V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + H208Y + K220P + N224L + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 112 16 ND the substitutions V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + D269E + D281N Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 168 21 ND the substitutions V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + I270L Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 24 ND the substitutions V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + H274K Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 91 15 ND the substitutions V59A + Q89R + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + Y276F Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 141 41 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + R157Y + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 62 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + H208Y + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 49 >480 the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 53 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + H274K Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 57 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + Y276F Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 37 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + D281N Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 51 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + M284T Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 45 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + G416V Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 143 21 >480 the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 22 ND the substitutions V59A + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + M284T Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 38 ND the substitutions A91L + M96I + E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 57 11 402 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 174 44 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 49 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + Y276F + L427M Reference Alpha-Amylase A with >180 49 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + M284T Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 177 36 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S + N376* + I377* Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 94 13 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 129 24 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + K220P + N224L + Q254S + M284T Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 148 30 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179E + S242Q Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 78 9 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179V Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 178 31 >480 the substitutions E129V + K177L + R179V + K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 66 17 >480 the substitutions K220P + N224L + S242Q + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 30 6 159 the substitutions K220P + N224L + Q254S Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 35 7 278 the substitution M284T Reference Alpha-Amylase A with 59 13 ND the substitutions M284V ND not determined

The results demonstrate that the alpha-amylase variants have a significantly greater half-life and stability than the reference alpha-amylase.

Example 2

Preparation of Protease Variants and Test of Thermostability

Strains and Plasmids

E. coli DH12S (available from Gibco BRL) was used for yeast plasmid rescue. pJTP000 is a S. cerevisiae and E. coli shuttle vector under the control of TPI promoter, constructed from pJC039 described in WO 01/92502, in which the Thermoascus aurantiacus M35 protease gene (WO 03/048353) has been inserted.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae YNG318 competent cells: MATa Dpep4[cir+] ura3-52, leu2-D2, his 4-539 was used for protease variants expression. It is described in J. Biol. Chem. 272 (15), pp 9720-9727, 1997.

Media and Substrates

10× Basal solution: Yeast nitrogen base w/o amino acids (DIFCO) 66.8 g/l, succinate 100 g/l, NaOH 60 g/l.

SC-glucose: 20% glucose (i.e., a final concentration of 2%=2 g/100 ml)) 100 ml/l, 5% threonine 4 ml/l, 1% tryptophan10 ml/l, 20% casamino acids 25 ml/l, 10× basal solution 100 ml/l. The solution is sterilized using a filter of a pore size of 0.20 micrometer. Agar (2%) and H₂O (approx. 761 ml) is autoclaved together, and the separately sterilized SC-glucose solution is added to the agar solution.

YPD: Bacto peptone 20 g/l, yeast extract 10 g/I, 20% glucose 100 ml/l.

YPD+Zn: YPD+0.25 mM ZnSO₄

PEG/LiAc solution: 40% PEG4000 50 ml, 5 M Lithium Acetate 1 ml.

96 well Zein micro titre plate:

Each well contains 200 microL of 0.05-0.1% of zein (Sigma), 0.25 mM ZnSO₄ and 1% of agar in 20 mM sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.5.

DNA Manipulations

Unless otherwise stated, DNA manipulations and transformations were performed using standard methods of molecular biology as described in Sambrook et al. (1989) Molecular cloning: A laboratory manual, Cold Spring Harbor lab. Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Ausubel, F. M. et al. (eds.) “Current protocols in Molecular Biology”, John Wiley and Sons, 1995; Harwood, C. R, and Cutting, S. M. (Eds.),

Yeast Transformation

Yeast transformation was performed using the lithium acetate method. 0.5 microL of vector (digested by restriction endnucleases) and 1 microL of PCR fragments is mixed. The DNA mixture, 100 microL of YNG318 competent cells, and 10 microL of YEAST MAKER carrier DNA (Clontech) is added to a 12 ml polypropylene tube (Falcon 2059). Add 0.6 ml PEG/LiAc solution and mix gently. Incubate for 30 min at 30° C., and 200 rpm followed by 30 min at 42° C. (heat shock). Transfer to an eppendorf tube and centrifuge for 5 sec. Remove the supernatant and resolve in 3 ml of YPD. Incubate the cell suspension for 45 min at 200 rpm at 30° C. Pour the suspension to SC-glucose plates and incubate 30° C. for 3 days to grow colonies. Yeast total DNA are extracted by Zymoprep Yeast Plasmid Miniprep Kit (ZYMO research).

DNA Sequencing

E. coli transformation for DNA sequencing was carried out by electroporation (BIO-RAD Gene Pulser). DNA Plasmids were prepared by alkaline method (Molecular Cloning, Cold Spring Harbor) or with the Qiagen® Plasmid Kit. DNA fragments were recovered from agarose gel by the Qiagen gel extraction Kit. PCR was performed using a PTC-200 DNA Engine. The ABI PRISM™ 310 Genetic Analyzer was used for determination of all DNA sequences.

Construction of Protease Expression Vector

The Themoascus M35 protease gene was amplified with the primer pair Prot F (SEQ ID NO: 15 herein) and Prot R (SEQ ID NO: 16 herein). The resulting PCR fragments were introduced into S. cerevisiae YNG318 together with the pJC039 vector (described in WO2001/92502) digested with restriction enzymes to remove the Humicola insolens cutinase gene.

The Plasmid in yeast clones on SC-glucose plates was recovered to confirm the internal sequence and termed as pJTP001.

Construction of Yeast Library and Site-Directed Variants

Library in yeast and site-directed variants were constructed by SOE PCR method (Splicing by Overlap Extension, see “PCR: A practical approach”, p. 207-209, Oxford University press, eds. McPherson, Quirke, Taylor), followed by yeast in vivo recombination.

General Primers for Amplification and Sequencing

The primers AM34 (SEQ ID NO: 17 herein) and AM35 (SEQ ID NO: 18 herein) were used to make DNA fragments containing any mutated fragments by the SOE method together with degenerated primers (AM34+ Reverse primer and AM35+ forward primer) or just to amplify a whole protease gene (AM34+AM35).

PCR reaction system: Conditions: 48.5 microL H₂O 1 94° C. 2 min 2 beads puRe Taq Ready-To-Go PCR 2 94° C. 30 sec (Amersham Biosciences) 3 55° C. 30 sec 0.5 micro L X 2 100 pmole/microL of primers 4 72° C. 90 sec 0.5 microL template DNA 2-4 25 cycles 5 72° C. 10 min

DNA fragments were recovered from agarose gel by the Qiagen gel extraction Kit. The resulting purified fragments were mixed with the vector digest. The mixed solution was introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae to construct libraries or site-directed variants by in vivo recombination.

Relative Activity Assay

Yeast clones on SC-glucose were inoculated to a well of a 96-well micro titre plate containing YPD+Zn medium and cultivated at 28° C. for 3 days. The culture supernatants were applied to a 96-well zein micro titer plate and incubated at at least 2 temperatures (ex. 60° C. and 65° C., 70° C. and 75° C., 70° C. and 80° C.) for more than 4 hours or overnight. The turbidity of zein in the plate was measured as A630 and the relative activity (higher/lower temperatures) was determined as an indicator of thermoactivity improvement. The clones with higher relative activity than the parental variant were selected and the sequence was determined.

Remaining Activity Assay

Yeast clones on SC-glucose were inoculated to a well of a 96-well micro titre plate and cultivated at 28° C. for 3 days. Protease activity was measured at 65° C. using azo-casein (Megazyme) after incubating the culture supernatant in 20 mM sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.5, for 10 min at a certain temperature (80° C. or 84° C. with 4° C. as a reference) to determine the remaining activity. The clones with higher remaining activity than the parental variant were selected and the sequence was determined.

Azo-Casein Assay

20 microL of samples were mixed with 150 microL of substrate solution (4 ml of 12.5% azo-casein in ethanol in 96 ml of 20 mM sodium acetate, pH 4.5, containing 0.01% triton-100 and 0.25 mM ZnSO₄) and incubated for 4 hours or longer.

After adding 20 microL/well of 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution, the plate was centrifuge and 100 microL of supernatants were pipette out to measure A440.

Expression of Protease Variants in Aspergillus oryzae

The constructs comprising the protease variant genes were used to construct expression vectors for Aspergillus. The Aspergillus expression vectors consist of an expression cassette based on the Aspergillus niger neutral amylase II promoter fused to the Aspergillus nidulans triose phosphate isomerase non translated leader sequence (Pna2/tpi) and the Aspergillus niger amyloglycosidase terminator (Tamg). Also present on the plasmid was the Aspergillus selective marker amdS from Aspergillus nidulans enabling growth on acetamide as sole nitrogen source. The expression plasmids for protease variants were transformed into Aspergillus as described in Lassen et al. (2001), Appl. Environ. Microbiol, 67, 4701-4707. For each of the constructs 10-20 strains were isolated, purified and cultivated in shake flasks.

Purification of Expressed Variants

-   1. Adjust pH of the 0.22 μm filtered fermentation sample to 4.0. -   2. Put the sample on an ice bath with magnetic stirring. Add     (NH4)2SO4 in small aliquots (corresponding to approx. 2.0-2.2 M     (NH4)2SO4 not taking the volume increase into account when adding     the compound). -   3. After the final addition of (NH4)2SO4, incubate the sample on the     ice bath with gentle magnetic stirring for min. 45 min. -   4. Centrifugation: Hitachi himac CR20G High-Speed Refrigerated     Centrifuge equipped with R20A2 rotor head, 5° C., 20,000 rpm, 30     min. -   5. Dissolve the formed precipitate in 200 ml 50 mM Na-acetate pH     4.0. -   6. Filter the sample by vacuum suction using a 0.22 μm PES PLUS     membrane (IWAKI). -   7. Desalt/buffer-exchange the sample to 50 mM Na-acetate pH 4.0     using ultrafiltration (Vivacell 250 from Vivascience equipped with 5     kDa MWCO PES membrane) overnight in a cold room. Dilute the     retentate sample to 200 ml using 50 mM Na-acetate pH 4.0. The     conductivity of sample is preferably less than 5 mS/cm. -   8. Load the sample onto a cation-exchange column equilibrated with     50 mM Na-acetate pH 4.0. Wash unbound sample out of the column using     3 column volumes of binding buffer (50 mM Na-acetate pH 4.0), and     elute the sample using a linear gradient, 0-100% elution buffer (50     mM Na-acetate+1 M NaCl pH 4.0) in 10 column volumes. -   9. The collected fractions are assayed by an endo-protease assay     (cf. below) followed by standard SDS-PAGE (reducing conditions) on     selected fractions. Fractions are pooled based on the endo-protease     assay and SDS-PAGE.     Endo-Protease Assay -   1. Protazyme OL tablet/5 ml 250 mM Na-acetate pH 5.0 is dissolved by     magnetic stirring (substrate: endo-protease Protazyme AK tablet from     Megazyme—cat. #PRAK 11/08). -   2. With stirring, 250 microL of substrate solution is transferred to     a 1.5 ml Eppendorf tube. -   3. 25 microL of sample is added to each tube (blank is sample     buffer). -   4. The tubes are incubated on a Thermomixer with shaking (1000 rpm)     at 50° C. for 15 minutes. -   5. 250 microL of 1 M NaOH is added to each tube, followed by     vortexing. -   6. Centrifugation for 3 min. at 16,100×G and 25° C. -   7. 200 microL of the supernatant is transferred to a MTP, and the     absorbance at 590 nm is recorded.     Results

TABLE 2 Relative activity of protease variants. Numbering of substitution(s) starts from N-terminal of the mature peptide in amino acids 1 to 177 of SEQ ID NO: 2 herein. Relative activity Variant Substitution(s) 65° C./60° C. WT None 31% JTP004 S87P 45% JTP005 A112P 43% JTP008 R2P 71% JTP009 D79K 69% JTP010 D79L 75% JTP011 D79M 73% JTP012 D79L/S87P 86% JTP013 D79L/S87P/A112P 90% JTP014 D79L/S87P/A112P 88% JTP016 A73C 52% JTP019 A126V 69% JTP021 M152R 59%

TABLE 3 Relative activity of protease variants. Numbering of substitution(s) starts from N-terminal of the mature peptide in amino acids 1 to 177 of SEQ ID NO: 2 herein. Relative activity Substitution(s) 70° C./ 75° C./ 75° C./ Variant and/or deletion (S) 65° C. 65° C. 70° C. WT None 59% 17% JTP036 D79L/S87P/D142L 73% 73% JTP040 T54R/D79L/S87P 71% JTP042 Q53K/D79L/S87P/I173V 108%  JTP043 Q53R/D79L/S87P 80% JTP045 S41R/D79L/S87P 82% JTP046 D79L/S87P/Q158W 96% JTP047 D79L/S87P/S157K 85% JTP048 D79L/S87P/D104R 88% JTP050 D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 88% JTP051 S41R/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 102% JTP052 D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L/S157K 111% JTP053 S41R/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L/ 113% S157K JTP054 ΔS5/D79L/S87P  92% JTP055 ΔG8/D79L/S87P  95% JTP059 C6R/D79L/S87P  92% JTP061 T46R/D79L/S87P 111% JTP063 S49R/D79L/S87P  94% JTP064 D79L/S87P/N88R  92% JTP068 D79L/S87P/T114P  99% JTP069 D79L/S87P/S115R 103% JTP071 D79L/S87P/T116V 105% JTP072 N26R/D79L/S87P 92% JTP077 A27K/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 106%  JTP078 A27V/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 100%  JTP079 A27G/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 104% 

TABLE 4 Relative activity of protease variants. Numbering of substitution(s) starts from N-terminal of the mature peptide in amino acids 1 to 177 of SEQ ID NO: 2 herein. Remaining Substitution(s) Relative activity activity Variant and/or deletion(s) 75° C./65° C. 80° C. 84° C. JTP082 ΔS5/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 129% 53% JTP083 T46R/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 126% JTP088 Y43F/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 119% JTP090 D79L/S87P/A112P/T124L/D142L 141% JTP091 D79L/S87P/A112P/T124V/D142L 154% 43% JTP092 ΔS5/N26R/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 60% JTP095 N26R/T46R/D79L/S87P/A112P/D142L 62% JTP096 T46R/D79L/S87P/T116V/D142L 67% JTP099 D79L/P81R/S87P/A112P/D142L 80% JTP101 A27K/D79L/S87P/A112P/T124V/D142L 81% JTP116 D79L/Y82F/S87P/A112P/T124V/D142L 59% JTP117 D79L/Y82F/S87P/A112P/T124V/D142L 94% JTP127 D79L/S87P/A112P/T124V/A126V/D142L 53%

TABLE 5 Relative activity of protease variants. Numbering of substitution(s) starts from N-terminal of the mature peptide in amino acids 1 to 177 of SEQ ID NO: 2 herein. Relative activity Variant Substitutions 75° C./70° C. 80° C./70° C. 85° C./70° C. JTP050 D79L S87P A112P D142L 55% 23%  9% JTP134 D79L Y82F S87P A112P D142L 40% JTP135 S38T D79L S87P A112P A126V D142L 62% JTP136 D79L Y82F S87P A112P A126V D142L 59% JTP137 A27K D79L S87P A112P A126V D142L 54% JTP140 D79L S87P N98C A112P G135C D142L 81% JTP141 D79L S87P A112P D142L T141C M161C 68% JTP143 S36P D79L S87P A112P D142L 69% JTP144 A37P D79L S87P A112P D142L 57% JTP145 S49P D79L S87P A112P D142L 82% 59% JTP146 S50P D79L S87P A112P D142L 83% 63% JTP148 D79L S87P D104P A112P D142L 76% 64% JTP161 D79L Y82F S87G A112P D142L 30% 12% JTP180 S70V D79L Y82F S87G Y97W A112P D142L 52% JTP181 D79L Y82F S87G Y97W D104P A112P D142L 45% JTP187 S70V D79L Y82F S87G A112P D142L 45% JTP188 D79L Y82F S87G D104P A112P D142L 43% JTP189 D79L Y82F S87G A112P A126V D142L 46% JTP193 Y82F S87G S70V D79L D104P A112P D142L 15% JTP194 Y82F S87G D79L D104P A112P A126V D142L 22% JTP196 A27K D79L Y82F S87G D104P A112P A126V D142L 18%

TABLE 6 Relative activity of protease variants. Numbering of substitution(s) starts from N-terminal of the mature peptide in amino acids 1 to 177 of SEQ ID NO: 2 herein. Relative activity Variant Substitutions 75° C./70° C. 80° C./70° C. JTP196 A27K D79L Y82F S87G D104P A112P A126V D142L 102% 55% JTP210 A27K Y82F S87G D104P A112P A126V D142L 107% 36% JTP211 A27K D79L Y82F D104P A112P A126V D142L  94% 44% JTP213 A27K Y82F D104P A112P A126V D142L 103% 37%

Example 3

Temperature Profile of Selected Variants Using Purified Enzymes

Selected variants showing good thermo-stability were purified and the purified enzymes were used in a zein-BCA assay as described below. The remaining protease activity was determined at 60° C. after incubation of the enzyme at elevated temperatures as indicated for 60 min,

Zein-BCA Assay:

Zein-BCA assay was performed to detect soluble protein quantification released from zein by variant proteases at various temperatures,

Protocol:

-   1) Mix 10 microliters of 10 micrograms/ml enzyme solutions and 100     ul of 0.025% zein solution in a micro titer plate (MTP). -   2) Incubate at various temperatures for 60 min. -   3) Add 10 microliters of 100% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) solution, -   4) Centrifuge MTP at 3500 rpm for 5 min. -   5) Take out 15 microliters to a new MTP containing 100 microliters     of BCA assay solution (Pierce Cat#:23225, BCA Protein Assay Kit). -   6) Incubate for 30 min. at 60° C. -   7) Measure A562.

The results are shown in Table 7. All of the tested variants showed an improved thermo-stability as compared to the wt protease.

TABLE 7 Zein-BCA assay Sample incubated 60 min at indicated temperatures (° C.) (μg/ml Bovine serum albumin equivalent peptide released) 60° 70° 75° 80° 85° 90° 95° WT/Variant C. C. C. C. C. C. C. WT 94 103 107 93 58 38 JTP050 86 101 107 107 104 63 36 JTP077 82 94 104 105 99 56 31 JTP188 71 83 86 93 100 75 53 JTP196 87 99 103 106 117 90 38

Example 4

Characterization of Penicillium oxalicum Glucoamylase

The Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase is disclosed in SEQ ID NO: 14 (mature) herein.

Substrate. Substrate: 1% soluble starch (Sigma S-9765) in deionized water

Reaction buffer: 0.1M Acetate buffer at pH 5.3

Glucose concentration determination kit: Wako glucose assay kit (LabAssay glucose, WAKO, Cat#298-65701),

Reaction condition. 20 microL soluble starch and 50 microL acetate buffer at pH 5.3 were mixed. 30 microL enzyme solution (50 micro g enzyme protein/rill) was added to a final volume of 100 microL followed by incubation at 37° C. for 15 min.

The glucose concentration was determined by Wako kits.

All the work carried out in parallel.

Temperature optimum. To assess the temperature optimum of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase the “Reaction condition”-assay described above was performed at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90 and 95° C. The results are shown in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Temperature optimum Temperature (° C.) 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 85 90 95 Relative activity (%) 63.6 71.7 86.4 99.4 94.6 100.0 92.9 92.5 82.7 82.8

From the results it can be seen that the optimal temperature for Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase at the given conditions is between 50° C. and 70° C. and the glucoamylase maintains more than 80% activity at 95° C.

Heat stability. To assess the heat stability of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase the Reaction condition assay was modifed in that the the enzyme solution and acetate buffer was preincubated for 15 min at 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 and 95° C. Following the incubation 20 microL of starch was added to the solution and the assay was performed as described above.

The results are shown in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Heat stability Temperature (° C.) 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 85 90 95 Relative activity (%) 91.0 92.9 88.1 100.0 96.9 86.0 34.8 36.0 34.2 34.8

From the results it can be seen that Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase is stable up to 70° C. after preincubation for 15 min in that it maintains more than 80% activity.

pH optimum. To assess the pH optimum of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase the Reaction condition assay described above was performed at pH 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0 and 11.0. Instead of using the acetate buffer described in the Reaction condition assay the following buffer was used 100 mM Succinic acid, HEPES, CHES, CAPSO, 1 mM CaCl₂, 150 mM KCl, 0.01% Triton X-100, pH adjusted to 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0 or 11.0 with HCl or NaOH.

The results are shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10 pH optimum pH 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 Relative activity (%) 71.4 78.6 77.0 91.2 84.2 100.0 55.5 66.7 30.9 17.8 15.9 16.1

From the results it can be seen that Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase at the given conditions has the highest activity at pH 5.0. The Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase is active in a broad pH range in the it maintains more than 50% activity from pH 2 to 7.

pH stability. To assess the heat stability of the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase the Reaction condition assay was modifed in that the enzyme solution (50 micro g/mL) was preincubated for 20 hours in buffers with pH 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 6.0 7.0, 8.0, 9.0, 10.0 and 11.0 using the buffers described under pH optimum. After preincubation, 20 microL soluble starch to a final volume of 100 microL was added to the solution and the assay was performed as described above.

The results are shown in Table 11.

TABLE 11 pH stability pH 2.0 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0 11.0 Relative activity (%) 17.4 98.0 98.0 103.2 100.0 93.4 71.2 90.7 58.7 17.4 17.0 17.2

From the results it can be seen that Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase, is stable from pH 3 to pH 7 after preincubation for 20 hours and it decreases its activity at pH 8.

Example 5

Thermostability of Protease Pfu.

The thermostability of the Pyrococcus furiosus protease (Pfu S) purchased from Takara Bio Inc, (Japan) was tested using the same methods as in Example 2. It was found that the thermostability (Relative Activity) was 110% at (80° C./70° C.) and 103% (90° C./70° C.) at pH 4.5.

Example 6

Cloning of Penicillium oxalicum Strain Glucoamylase Gene

Preparation of Penicillium oxalicum Strain cDNA.

The cDNA was synthesized by following the instruction of 3′ Rapid Amplifiction of cDNA End System (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, Calif., USA).

Cloning of Penicillium oxalicum Strain Glucoamylase Gene.

The Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase gene was cloned using the oligonucleotide primer shown below designed to amplify the glucoamylase gene from 5′ end.

Sense primer: (SEQ ID NO: 19) 5′-ATGCGTCTCACTCTATTATCAGGTG-3′

The full length gene was amplified by PCR with Sense primer and AUAP (supplied by 3′ Rapid Amplifiction of cDNA End System) by using Platinum HIFI Taq DNA polymerase (Invitrogen Corp., Carlsbad, Calif., USA). The amplification reaction was composed of 5 μl of 10× PCR buffer, 2 μl of 25 mM MgCl₂, 1 μl of 10 mM dNTP, 1 μl of 10 uM Sense primer, 1 μl of 10 uM AUAP, 2 μl of the first strand cDNA, 0.5 μl of HIFI Taq, and 37.5 μl of deionized water. The PCR program was: 94° C., 3 mins; 10 cycles of 94° C. for 40 secs, 60° C. 40 secs with 1° C. decrease per cycle, 68° C. for 2 min; 25 cycles of 94° C. for 40 secs, 50° C. for 40 secs, 68° C. for 2 min; final extension at 68° C. for 10 mins.

The obtained PCR fragment was cloned into pGEM-T vector (Promega Corporation, Madison, Wis., USA) using a pGEM-T Vector System (Promega Corporation, Madison, Wis., USA) to generate plasmid AMG 1. The glucoamylase gene inserted in the plasmid AMG 1 was sequencing confirmed. E. coli strain TOP10 containing plasmid AMG 1 (designated NN059173), was deposited with the Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen Lind Zellkulturen GmbH (DSMZ) on Nov. 23, 2009, and assigned accession number as DSM 23123.

Example 7

Expression of Cloned Penicillium oxalicum Glucoamylase

The Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase gene was re-cloned from the plasmid AMG 1 into an Aspergillus expression vector by PCR using two cloning primer F and primer R shown below, which were designed based on the known sequence and added tags for direct cloning by IN-FUSION™ strategy.

Primer F: (SEQ ID NO: 20) 5′ ACACAACTGGGGATCCACCATGCGTCTCACTCTATTATC Primer R: (SEQ ID NO: 21) 5′ AGATCTCGAGAAGCTTAAAACTGCCACACGTCGTTGG

A PCR reaction was performed with plasmid AMG 1 in order to amplify the full-length gene. The PCR reaction was composed of 40 μg of the plasmid AMG 1 DNA, 1 μl of each primer (100 μM); 12.5 μl of 2× Extensor Hi-Fidelity master mix (Extensor Hi-Fidelity Master Mix, ABgene, United Kingdom), and 9.5 μl of PCR-grade water. The PCR reaction was performed using a DYAD PCR machine (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hercules, Calif., USA) programmed for 2 minutes at 94° C. followed by a 25 cycles of 94° C. for 15 seconds, 50° C. for 30 seconds, and 72° C. for 1 minute; and then 10 minutes at 72° C.

The reaction products were isolated by 1.0% agarose gel electrophoresis using 1×TAE buffer where an approximately 1.9 kb PCR product band was excised from the gel and purified using a GFX® PCR DNA and Gel Band Purification Kit (GE Healthcare, United Kingdom) according to manufacturer's instructions. DNA corresponding to the Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase gene was cloned into an Aspergillus expression vector linearized with BamHI and HindIII, using an IN-FUSION™ Dry-Down PCR Cloning Kit (BD Biosciences, Palo Alto, Calif., USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The linearized vector construction is as described in WO 2005/042735 A1.

A 2 μl volume of the ligation mixture was used to transform 25 μl of Fusion Blue E. coli cells (included in the IN-FUSION™ Dry-Down PCR Cloning Kit). After a heat shock at 42° C. for 45 sec, and chilling on ice, 250 μl of SOC medium was added, and the cells were incubated at 37° C. at 225 rpm for 90 min before being plated out on LB agar plates containing 50 μg of ampicillin per ml, and cultivated overnight at 37° C. Selected colonies were inoculated in 3 ml of LB medium supplemented with 50 μg of ampicillin per ml and incubated at 37° C. at 225 rpm overnight. Plasmid DNA from the selected colonies was purified using Mini JETSTAR (Genomed, Germany) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase gene sequence was verified by Sanger sequencing before heterologous expression. One of the plasmids was selected for further expression, and was named XYZ XYZ1471-4.

Protoplasts of Aspergillus niger MBin118 were prepared as described in WO 95/02043. One hundred μl of protoplast suspension were mixed with 2.5 μg of the XYZ1471-4 plasmid and 250 microliters of 60% PEG 4000 (Applichem) (polyethylene glycol, molecular weight 4,000), 10 mM CaCl₂, and 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5 were added and gently mixed. The mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes and the protoplasts were mixed with 6% low melting agarose (Biowhittaker Molecular Applications) in COVE sucrose (Cove, 1996, Biochim. Biophys, Acta 133:51-56) (1M) plates supplemented with 10 mM acetamide and 15 mM CsCl and added as a top layer on COVE sucrose (1M) plates supplemented with 10 mM acetamide and 15 mM CsCl for transformants selection (4 ml topagar per plate). After incubation for 5 days at 37° C. spores of sixteen transformants were picked up and seed on 750 μl YP-2% Maltose medium in 96 deepwell MT plates. After 5 days of stationary cultivation at 30° C., 10 μl of the culture-broth from each well was analyzed on a SDS-PAGE (Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) gel, Griton XT Precast gel (BioRad, CA, USA) in order to identify the best transformants based on the ability to produce large amount of glucoamylase. A selected transformant was identified on the original transformation plate and was preserved as spores in a 20% glycerol stock and stored frozen (−80° C.).

Cultivation. The selected transformant was inoculated in 100 ml of MLC media and cultivated at 30° C. for 2 days in 500 ml shake flasks on a rotary shaker. 3 ml of the culture broth was inoculated to 100 ml of M410 medium and cultivated at 30° C. for 3 days. The culture broth was centrifugated and the supernatant was filtrated using 0.2 μm membrane filters.

Alpha-cyclodextrin affinity gel. Ten grams of Epoxy-activated Sepharose 6B (GE Healthcare, Chalfont St, Giles, U.K) powder was suspended in and washed with distilled water on a sintered glass filter. The gel was suspended in coupling solution (100 ml of 12.5 mg/ml alpha-cyclodextrin, 0.5 M NaOH) and incubated at room temperature for one day with gentle shaking. The gel was washed with distilled water on a sintered glass filter, suspended in 100 ml of 1 M ethanolamine, pH 10, and incubated at 50° C. for 4 hours for blocking. The gel was then washed several times using 50 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8 and 50 mM NaOAc, pH 4.0 alternatively. The gel was finally packed in a 35-40 ml column using equilibration buffer (50 mM NaOAc, 150 mM NaCl, pH 4.5).

Purification of glucoamylase from culture broth. Culture broth from fermentation of A. niger MBin118 harboring the glucoamylase gene was filtrated through a 0.22 μm RES filter, and applied on a alpha-cyclodextrin affinity gel column previously equilibrated in 50 mM NaOAc, 150 mM NaCl, pH 4.5 buffer. Unbound material was washed off the column with equilibration buffer and the glucoamylase was eluted using the same buffer containing 10 mM beta-cyclodextrin over 3 column volumes.

The glucoamylase activity of the eluent was checked to see, if the glucoamylase had bound to the alpha-cyclodextrin affinity gel. The purified glucoamylase sample was then dialyzed against 20 mM NaOAc, pH 5.0. The purity was finally checked by SDS-PAGE, and only a single band was found.

Example 8

Construction and Expression of a Site-Directed Variant of Penicillium oxalicum Glucoamylase (PEON)

Two PCR reactions were performed with plasmid XYZ1471-4, described in Example 9, using primers K79V F and K79VR shown below, which were designed to substitute lysine K at position 79 from the mature seequence to varin V and primers F-NP003940 and R-NP003940 shown below, which were designed based on the known sequence and added tags for direct cloning by IN-FUSION™ strategy.

Primer K79V F 18mer (SEQ ID NO: 22) GCAGTCTTTCCAATTGAC Primer K79V R 18mer (SEQ ID NO: 23) AATTGGAAAGACTGCCCG Primer F-NP003940: (SEQ ID NO: 24) 5′ ACACAACTGGGGATCCACCATGCGTCTCACTCTATTATC Primer R-NP003940: (SEQ ID NO: 25) 5′ AGATCTCGAGAAGCTTAAAACTGCCACACGTCGTTGG

The PCR was performed using a PTC-200 DNA Engine under the conditions described below.

PCR reaction system: Conditions: 48.5 micro L H2O 1 94° C. 2 min 2 beads puRe Taq Ready-To-Go PCR 2 94° C. 30 sec Beads (Amersham bioscineces) 3 55° C. 30 sec 0.5micro L X 2100 pmole/micro L Primers 4 72° C. 90 sec (K79V F + Primer R-NP003940, K79V R + 2-4 25 cycles Primer F-NP003940) 5 72° C. 10 min 0.5 micro L Template DNA

DNA fragments were recovered from agarose gel by the Qiagen gel extraction Kit according to the manufacturer's instruction. The resulting purified two fragments were cloned into an Aspergillus expression vector linearized with BamHI and HindIII, using an IN-FUSION™ Dry-Down PCR Cloning Kit (BD Biosciences, Palo Alto, Calif., USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The linearized vector construction is as described in WO 2005/042735 A1.

The ligation mixture was used to transform E. coli DH5α cells (TOYOBO). Selected colonies were inoculated in 3 ml of LB medium supplemented with 50 μg of ampicillin per ml and incubated at 37° C. at 225 rpm overnight. Plasmid DNA from the selected colonies was purified using Qiagen plasmid mini kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer's instructions. The sequence of Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase site-directed variant gene sequence was verified before heterologous expression and one of the plasmids was selected for further expression, and was named pPoPE001.

Protoplasts of Aspergillus niger MBin118 were prepared as described in WO 95/02043. One hundred microliters of protoplast suspension were mixed with 2.5 μg of the pPoPE001 plasmid and 250 microliters of 60% PEG 4000 (Applichem) (polyethylene glycol, molecular weight 4,000), 10 mM CaCl₂, and 10 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.5 were added and gently mixed. The mixture was incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes and the protoplasts were mixed with 1% agarose L (Nippon Gene) in COVE sucrose (Cove, 1996, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 133:51-56) supplemented with 10 mM acetamide and 15 mM CsCl and added as a top layer on COVE sucrose plates supplemented with 10 mM acetamide and 15 mM CsCl for transformants selection (4 ml topagar per plate). After incubation for 5 days at 37° C. spores of sixteen transformants were picked up and seed on 750 μl YP-2% Maltose medium in 96 deepwell MT plates. After 5 days of stationary cultivation at 30° C., 10 μl of the culture-broth from each well was analyzed on a SDS-PAGE gel in order to identify the best transformants based on the ability to produce large amount of the glucoamylase.

Example 9

Purification of Site-Directed Po AMG Variant PE001

The selected transformant of the variant and the strain expressing the wild type Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase described in Example 8 was cultivated in 100 ml of YP-2% maltose medium and the culture was filtrated through a 0.22 μm RES filter, and applied on a alpha-cyclodextrin affinity gel column previously equilibrated in 50 mM NaOAc, 150 mM NaCl, pH 4.5 buffer. Unbound materias was washed off the column with equilibration buffer and the glucoamylase was eluted using the same buffer containing 10 mM beta-cyclodextrin over 3 column volumes.

The glucoamylase activity of the eluent was checked to see, if the glucoamylase had bound to the alpha-cyclodextrin affinity gel. The purified glucoamylase samples were then dialyzed against 20 mM NaOAc, pH 5.0.

Example 10

Characterization of PE001 Protease Stability

40 μl enzyme solutions (1 mg/ml) in 50 mM sodium acetate buffer, pH 4.5, was mixed with 1/10 volume of 1 mg/ml protease solutions such as aspergillopepsinl described in Biochem J. 1975 April; 147(1): 45-53 or the commercially availble product from Sigma and aorsin described in Biochemical journal [0264-6021] lchishima, 2003, 371(2): 541 and incubated at 4 or 32° C. overnight. As a control experiment, H₂O was added to the sample instead of proteases. The samples were loaded on SDS-PAGE to see if the glucoamylases are cleaved by proteases.

In SDS-PAGE, PE001 only showed one band corresponding to the intact molecule, while the wild type glucoamylase was degraded by proteases and showed a band at lower molecular size at 60 kCa.

TABLE 12 The result of SDS-PAGE after protease treatment Wild type glucoamylase PE001 Protease aspergillopepsin I aorsin aspergillopepsin I aorsin control Incubation temperature (° C.) 4 32 4 32 4 32 4 32 4 intact glucoamylase 100% 90% 40% 10% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% (ca. 70 kDa) cleaved glucoamylase N.D. 10% 60% 90% N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. N.D. (ca. 60 kDa) N.D.: not detected.

Example 11

Less Cleavage During Cultivation

Aspergillus transformant of the variant (PE001) and the wild type Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase were cultivated in 6-well MT plates containing 4× diluted YR-2% maltose medium supplemented with 10 mM sodium acetate buffer, pH4.5, at 32° C. for 1 week.

The culture supernatants were loaded on SDS-PAGE.

TABLE 13 The result of SDS-PAGE of the culture supernatants Wild type glucoamylase PE001 intact glucoamylase 90% 100% (ca. 70 kDa) cleaved glucoamylase 10% N.D. (ca. 60 kDa) N.D.: not detected.

The wild type glucoamylase was cleaved by host proteasaes during fermentation, while the variant yielded only intact molecule.

Example 12

Glucoamylase Activity of Variant PE001 Compared to Parent

The glucoamylase activity measures as AGU as described above was checked for the purified enzymes of the wild type Penicillium oxalicum and the variant glucoamylase.

The Glucoamylase Unit (AGU) was defined as the amount of enzyme, which hydrolyzes 1 micromole maltose per minute under the standard conditions (37° C., pH 4.3, substrate: maltose 100 mM, buffer: acetate 0.1 M, reaction time 6 minutes).

TABLE 14 Relative specific activity AGU/mg Penicillium oxalicum wt 100% Penicillium oxalicum PE001 102%

Example 13

Purification of Glucoamylase Variants Having Increased Thermostability

The variants showing increased thermostability may be constructed and expressed similar to the procedure described in Example 8. All variants were derived from the PE001. After expression in YPM medium, variants comprising the T65A or Q327F (SEQ ID NO: 14 numbering) substitution was micro-purified as follows:

Mycelium was removed by filtration through a 0.22 μm filter, 50 μl column material (alpha-cyclodextrin coupled to Mini-Leak divinylsulfone-activated agarose medium according to manufacturers recommendations) was added to the wells of a filter plate (Whatman, Unifilter 800 μl, 25-30 μm MBPP). The column material was equilibrated with binding buffer (200 mM sodium acetate pH 4.5) by two times addition of 200 μl buffer, vigorous shaking for 10 min (Heidolph, Titramax 101, 1000 rpm) and removal of buffer by vacuum (Whatman, UniVac 3), Subsequently, 400 μl culture supernatant and 100 μl binding buffer was added and the plate incubated 30 min with vigorous shaking. Unbound material was removed by vacuum and the binding step was repeated. Normally 4 wells were used per variant. Three washing steps were then performed with 200 μl buffer of decreasing ionic strength added (50/10/5 mM sodium acetate, pH 4.5), shaking for 15 min and removal of buffer by vacuum. Elution of the bound AMG was achieved by two times addition of 100 μl elution buffer (250 mM sodium acetate, 0.1% alpha-cyclodextrin, pH 6.0), shaking for 15 min and collection of eluted material in a microtiter plate by vacuum. Pooled eluates were concentrated and buffer changed to 50 mM sodium acetate pH 4.5 using centrifugal filter units with 10 kDa cut-off (Millipore Microcon Ultracel YM-10). Micropurified samples were stored at −18° C. until testing of thermostability.

Example 14

Protein Thermal Unfolding Analysis (TSA, Thermal Shift Assay)

Protein thermal unfolding of the T65A and Q327F variants, was monitored using Sypro Orange (In-vitrogen, S-6650) and was performed using a real-time PCR instrument (Applied Biosystems; Step-One-Plus).

In a 96-well plate, 25 microliter micropurified sample in 50 mM Acetate pH4.5 at approx. 100 microgram/ml was mixed (5:1) with Sypro Orange (resulting conc.=5×; stock solution from supplier=5000×). The plate was sealed with an optical PCR seal. The PCR instrument was set at a scan-rate of 76° C. pr. hr, starting at 25° C. and finishing at 96° C.

Protein thermal unfolding of the E501V+Y504T variant, was monitored using Sypro Orange (In-vitrogen, S-6650) and was performed using a real-time PCR instrument (Applied Biosystems; Step-One-Plus).

In a 96-well plate, 15 microliter purified sample in 50 mM Acetate pH4.5 at approx. 50 microgram/ml was mixed (1:1) with Sypro Orange (resulting conc.=5×; stock solution from supplier=5000×) with or without 200 ppm Acarbose (Sigma A8980). The plate was sealed with an optical PCR seal. The PCR instrument was set at a scan-rate of 76 degrees C. pr. hr, starting at 25° C. and finishing at 96° C.

Fluorescence was monitored every 20 seconds using in-built LED blue light for excitation and ROX-filter (610 nm, emission).

Tm-values were calculated as the maximum value of the first derivative (dF/dK) (ref.: Gregory et al., 2009, J. Biomol. Screen. 14: 700).

TABLE 15 a. Sample Tm (Deg. Celsius) +/− 0.4 PO-AMG (PE001) 80.3 Variant Q327F 82.3 Variant T65A 81.9 b. Sample Tm (Deg. Celsius) +/− 0.4 Acarbose: − + PO-AMG (PE001) 79.5 86.9 Variant E501V Y504T 79.5 95.2

Example 15

Thermostability Analysis by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)

Additional site specific variants having substitutions and/or deletions at specific positions were constructed basically as described in Example 8 and purified as described in Example 9.

The thermostability of the purified Po-AMG PE001 derived variants were determined at pH 4.0 or 4.8 (50 mM Sodium Acetate) by Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a VP-Capillary Differential Scanning calorimeter (MicroCal Inc., Piscataway, N.J., USA). The thermal denaturation temperature, Td (° C.), was taken as the top of the denaturation peak (major endothermic peak) in thermograms (Cp vs. T) obtained after heating enzyme solutions in selected buffers (50 mM Sodium Acetate, pH 4.0 or 4.8) at a constant programmed heating rate of 200 K/hr.

Sample- and reference-solutions (approximately 0.3 ml) were loaded into the calorimeter (reference: buffer without enzyme) from storage conditions at 10° C. and thermally pre-equilibrated for 10 minutes at 20° C. prior to DSC scan from 20° C. to 110° C. Denaturation temperatures were determined with an accuracy of approximately +/−1° C.

The isolated variants and the DSC data are disclosed in Table 16 below.

TABLE 16 Po- DSC Td DSC Td AMG Mutations (° C.) @ (° C.) @ name Mutations relative to PE001 pH 4.0 pH 4.8 PE001 82.1 83.4 GA167 E501V Y504T 82.1 GA481 T65A K161S 84.1 86.0 GA487 T65A Q405T 83.2 GA490 T65A Q327W 87.3 GA491 T65A Q327F 87.7 GA492 T65A Q327Y 87.3 GA493 P11F T65A Q327F 87.8 88.5 GA497 R1K D3W K5Q G7V N8S T10K P11S 87.8 88.0 T65A Q327F GA498 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F 88.3 88.4 GA003 P11F D26C K33C T65A Q327F 83.3 84.0 GA009 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327W E501V 88.8 Y504T GA002 R1E DSN P4G G6R G7A N8A T10D 87.5 88.2 P11D T65A Q327F GA005 P11F T65A Q327W 87.4 88.0 GA008 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V 89.4 90.2 Y504T GA010 P11F T65A Q327W E501V Y504T 89.7 GA507 T65A Q327F E501V Y504T 89.3 GA513 T65A S105P Q327W 87.0 GA514 T65A S105P Q327F 87.4 GA515 T65A Q327W S364P 87.8 GA516 T65A Q327F S364P 88.0 GA517 T65A S103N Q327F 88.9 GA022 P2N P4S P11F K34Y T65A Q327F 89.7 GA023 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F D445N 89.9 V447S GA032 P2N P4S P11F T65A I172V Q327F 88.7 GA049 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F N502* 88.4 GA055 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F N502T 88.0 P563S K571E GA057 P2N P4S P11F R31S K33V T65A 89.5 Q327F N564D K571S GA058 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F S377T 88.6 GA064 P2N P4S P11F T65A V325T Q327W 88.0 GA068 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F D445N 90.2 V447S E501V Y504T GA069 P2N P4S P11F T65A I172V Q327F 90.2 E501V Y504T GA073 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F S377T 90.1 E501V Y504T GA074 P2N P4S P11F D26N K34Y T65A 89.1 Q327F GA076 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F I375A 90.2 E501V Y504T GA079 P2N P4S P11F T65A K218A K221D 90.9 Q327F E501V Y504T GA085 P2N P4S P11F T65A S103N Q327F 91.3 E501V Y504T GA086 P2N P4S T10D T65A Q327F E501V 90.4 Y504T GA088 P2N P4S F12Y T65A Q327F E501V 90.4 Y504T GA097 K5A P11F T65A Q327F E501V 90.0 Y504T GA101 P2N P4S T10E E18N T65A Q327F 89.9 E501V Y504T GA102 P2N T10E E18N T65A Q327F E501V 89.8 Y504T GA084 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V 90.5 Y504T T568N GA108 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V 88.6 Y504T K524T G526A GA126 P2N P4S P11F K34Y T65A Q327F 91.8 D445N V447S E501V Y504T GA129 P2N P4S P11F R31S K33V T65A 91.7 Q327F D445N V447S E501V Y504T GA087 P2N P4S P11F D26N K34Y T65A 89.8 Q327F E501V Y504T GA091 P2N P4S P11F T65A F80* Q327F 89.9 E501V Y504T GA100 P2N P4S P11F T65A K112S Q327F 89.8 E501V Y504T GA107 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V 90.3 Y504T T516P K524T G526A GA110 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V 90.6 N502T Y504*

Example 16

Thermostability Analysis by Thermo-Stress Test and pNPG Assay

Starting from one of the identified substitution variants from Example 10, identified as PE008, additional variants were tested by a thereto-stress assay in which the supernatant from growth cultures were assayed for glucoamylase (AMG) activity after a heat shock at 83° C. for 5 min.

After the heat-shock the residual activity of the variant was measured as well as in a non-stressed sample.

Description of Po-AMG pNPG Activity Assay:

The Penicillium oxalicum glucoamylase pNPG activity assay is a spectrometric endpoint assay where the samples are split in two and measured thereto-stressed and non-thermo-stressed. The data output is therefore a measurement of residual activity in the stressed samples.

Growth:

A sterile micro titer plate (MTP) was added 200 microliters rich growth media (FT X-14 without Dowfax) to each well. The strains of interest were inoculated in triplicates directly from frozen stocks to the MTP. Benchmark was inoculated in 20 wells. Non-inoculated wells with media were used as assay blanks. The MTP was placed in a plastic box containing wet tissue to prevent evaporation from the wells during incubation. The plastic box was placed at 34° C. for 4 days.

Assay:

50 microliters supernatant was transferred to 50 microliters 0.5 M NaAc pH 4.8 to obtain correct sample pH.

50 microliters dilution was transferred to a PCR plate and thermo-stressed at 83° C. for 5 minutes in a PCR machine. The remaining half of the dilution was kept at RT.

20 microliters of both stressed and unstressed samples was transferred to a standard MTP, 20 microliters pNPG-substrate was added to start the reaction. The plate was incubated at RT for 1 h.

The reaction was stopped and the colour developed by adding 50 microliters 0.5 M Na₂CO₃. The yellow colour was measured on a plate reader (Molecular Devices) at 405 nm.

Buffers:

0.5 M NaAc pH 4.8

0.25 M NaAc pH 4.8

Substrate, 6 mM pNPG:

15 mg 4-nitrophenyl D-glucopyranoside in 10 mL 0.25 NaAc pH 4.8

Stop/Developing Solution:

0.5 M Na₂CO₃

Data Treatment:

In Excel the raw Abs405 data from both stressed and unstressed samples were blank subtracted with their respective blanks. The residual activity (% res. act.=(Abs_(unstressed) (Abs_(unstressed)−Abs_(stressed)))/Abs_(unstressed)*100%) was calculated and plotted relative to benchmark, Po-amg0008.

TABLE 17 Po- AMG % residual name Mutations activity GA008 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V Y504T 100 GA085 P2N P4S P11F T65A S103N Q327F E501V Y504T 127 GA097 K5A P11F T65A Q327F E501V Y504T 106 GA107 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V Y504T T516P 109 K524T G526A GA130 P2N P4S P11F T65A V79A Q327F E501V Y504T 111 GA131 P2N P4S P11F T65A V79G Q327F E501V Y504T 112 GA132 P2N P4S P11F T65A V79I Q327F E501V Y504T 101 GA133 P2N P4S P11F T65A V79L Q327F E501V Y504T 102 GA134 P2N P4S P11F T65A V79S Q327F E501V Y504T 104 GA150 P2N P4S P11F T65A L72V Q327F E501V Y504T 101 GA155 S255N Q327F E501V Y504T 105

TABLE 18 % Po-AMG residual name Mutations activity GA008 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F E501V Y504T 100 GA179 P2N P4S P11F T65A E74N V79K Q327F E501V 108 Y504T GA180 P2N P4S P11F T65A G220N Q327F E501V Y504T 108 GA181 P2N P4S P11F T65A Y245N Q327F E501V Y504T 102 GA184 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q253N Q327F E501V Y504T 110 GA185 P2N P4S P11F T65A D279N Q327F E501V Y504T 108 GA186 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F S359N E501V Y504T 108 GA187 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F D370N E501V Y504T 102 GA192 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F V460S E501V Y504T 102 GA193 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F V460T P468T E501V 102 Y504T GA195 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F T463N E501V Y504T 103 GA196 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F S465N E501V Y504T 106 GA198 P2N P4S P11F T65A Q327F T477N E501V Y504T 106

Example 17

Test for Glucoamylase Activity of Thermo-Stable Variants According to the Invention

All of the above described variants disclosed in tables 16, 17, and 18 have been verified for Glucoamylase activity on culture supernatants using the pNPG assay described in Example 16.

Example 18

Determination of Thermostablity of Endo-beta-glucanases (EG) by Differential Scanning Calorimitry (DSC)

The thermostability of EGs was tested as described in the “Materials & Methods” section under “Determination of Td by Differential Scanning calorimetry for Endoglucanases and Hemicellulases”

TABLE 19 Melting ID Family Donor point ° C. (DSC) Endoglucanase TL GH5 Talaromyces 89 (SEQ ID NO: 9) leycettanus Endoglucanase PC GH5 Penicillium 83 (SEQ ID NO: 35) capsulatum Endoglucanase TS GH5 Trichophaea saccata 81 (SEQ ID NO: 36) Endoglucanase SF GH45 Sordaria fimicola 75 (SEQ ID NO: 38)

Example 19

Adding Thermostable Xylanase in Liquefaction—Effect on Ethanol Yield and Corn Fiber Degradation

All treatments were evaluated via 100 g small-scale liquefaction. Corn flour obtained from industrial corn ethanol plants was used for the experiments. The dry solids (DS) of the corn flour was 85.12%, determined by Mettler-Toledo HB43 halogen moisture balance. For liquefaction, 38.77 g corn flour and 61.23 g tap water were added to reach DS of 33% and mass of 100 g in each canister of Lab-O-Mat. The pH of the corn slurry was found to be about 5.9 without adjustment. 40% H₂SO₄ was added to each canister to adjust pH to 5.0 for liquefaction. Each canister was dosed with the appropriate amount of diluted enzyme as shown in Table 21 below. The alpha-amylase (AA369) and the endo-glucanase (TI EG) was used. Two thermostable xylanases were evaluated as shown in Table 20. Final DS of the corn slurry after all additions and prior to liquefaction was 31.4%. The canisters were then sealed with caps, and loaded into Lab-O-Mat. Liquefaction happened at 85° C. for two hours with constant rotation.

After liquefaction done, the canisters were taken off from Lab-O-Mat and put on ice for fast cooling. The cooled corn mashes were then removed from canisters to beakers, and prepared for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Each SSF treatment was run in five replicate. 3 ppm penicillin and 800 ppm urea was supplemented before SSF started, Approximately 5 g of each corn mash (liquefied above) was added to 15 ml polypropylene tube. The tubes were prepared by drilling a 1/32 inch (1.5 mm) hole and the empty tubes were then weighed before corn slurry was added. The tubes were weighed again after mash was added to determine the exact weight of mash in each tube. Each tube was dosed with 0.6 AGU/gDS of Glucoamylase SA (GSA). Actual enzyme dosages were based on the exact weight of corn slurry in each tube. After enzyme dosage, each tube was added with 100 ul of ETHANOL RED™ yeast propagate, and then were incubated in 32° C. water bath for 54 hrs. Samples were taken at the end of fermentation for HPLC analysis. The HPLC preparation consisted of stopping the reaction by addition of 50 micro liters of 40% H₂SO₄, centrifuging, and filtering through a 0.45 micrometer filter. Samples were stored at 4° C. until analysis. Agilent™ 1100 HPLC system coupled with RI detector was used to determine ethanol and oligosaccharides concentration. The separation column was aminex HPX-87H ion exclusion column (300 mm×7.8 mm) from BioRad™.

TABLE 20 Xylanase tested in liquefaction Source Family Action DSC, ° C. Talaromyces leycettanus GH10 Xylanase 89 (SEQ ID NO: 5 herein) Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH11 Xylanase 106 (SEQ ID NO: 34 herein)

TABLE 21 Enzyme dosage in liquefaction AA dose (KNU- EG dose Xyl dose (μg Liquefaction treatment A/g DS) (μg EP/gDS EP/gDS AA control 0.12 AA + EG 0.12 100 AA + EG + Xyl 0.12 50 50 AA + Xyl 0.12 50 Results:

The ethanol yield from each treatment was summarized in Table 22 below. The TI xylanase has good performance by itself and on top of EG. By the same enzyme dosage of 100 ug/gDS, the combination of xylanase and EG gave higher ethanol yield than EG itself. From GPC data after liquefaction, it was found that the treatment with combination of TI xylanase and TI EG yielded smaller fragments than treatment with TI EG alone, indicating the TI xylanase was able to cut the corn fiber into smaller fragments, hence help to release more bound starch.

TABLE 22 Summarized Ethanol Yield and Percent Change Results Liquefaction Treatment Ethanol (% w/v) Ethanol Increase (%) AA only control 13.40 — AA + EG100 13.50 0.7% AA + EG50 + Tl Xyl50 13.65 1.9% AA + Tl Xyl50 13.50 0.8% AA + EG50 + Dt Xyl50 13.55 1.1% AA + Dt Xyl50 13.44 0.3%

Example 20

Adding Thermostable Hemicellulase in Liquefaction of Corn with Alpha-Amylase—Effect on Ethanol Yield

All treatments were evaluated via 18 g liquefaction. Ground corn flour was obtained from an industrial corn ethanol plant to be used for the experiment. The dry solids (% DS) of the corn flour was 86.5% as determined by Mettler-Toledo HB43 halogen moisture balance in duplicate. For liquefaction of the corn flour, 6.4±0.1 g corn flour was weighed into a 40 ml Oak Ridge tube. Tap water was added to reach % DS of 32.2% and mass of 17.2±0.2 g corn slurry. The pH of the corn slurry was found to be about 6.0; 23 μl of 40% H₂SO₄ was added to each tube to reduce the pH to 5.0 for liquefaction.

The alpha-amylase (AA369) was used. In addition to the AA-only control, six thermostable hemicellulases were evaluated as shown in Table 23. Each tube was dosed with the appropriate amount of diluted enzyme as shown in Table 24 below. Each liquefaction treatment was tested in quadruplicate along with six controls without hemicellulase added. Actual enzyme dosages were calculated based on the mass of corn slurry in each tube; tap water was added to bring the calculated % DS of all tubes to 31.0%. The final volume of the corn slurry after all additions and prior to liquefaction was 18.1±0.4 g. After enzyme and water addition, the tubes were sealed tightly, shaken thoroughly, and then placed in a Boekel Big SHOT III hybridization oven Model 230402 with a rack that holds and rotates the tubes vertically around a fixed axis. The oven was preheated to 80.0±0.5° C. as determined by a calibrated thermometer attached to the oven rack. The incubator temperature decreased while the door was open for loading; the temperature on the thermometer was monitored until it reached 75° C. at which time the timer was started for a two hour incubation with rotation set at speed 20 rpm.

TABLE 23 List of Hemicellulase Source, family and Sequence ID DSC Source of Hemicellulase Family Action (° C.) Sequence ID Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH10 Xylanase 99 (SEQ ID NO: 3 herein) Rasamsonia byssochlamydoides GH10 Xylanase 96 (SEQ ID NO: 4 herein) Aspergilius fumigatus GH10 Xylanase 89 (SEQ ID NO: 8 herein) Talaromyces emersonii GH3 Beta- 78 (SEQ ID NO: 6 herein) xylosidase Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH11 Xylanase — (SEQ ID NO: 34 herein) Trichoderma reesei CE5 Acetylxylan 69 (SEQ ID NO: 7 herein) esterase

TABLE 24 Enzyme Dosage in Liquefaction Hemicellulase dose (μg Liquefaction EP (Enzyme Protein)/g Treatments AA dose (KNU-A/g DS) DS) AA 0.12 AA + Hemicellulase 0.12 100

After incubating the tubes for two hours at 80° C., the tubes were removed from the hybridization oven and submerged in cool water with occasional mixing for about 30 minutes until they were cool to the touch. The caps were removed and a small spatula was used to push material stuck to the sides of the tubes down. Urea and penicillin solutions prepared in-house were added to each tube to reach final concentrations of 700 ppm and 3 ppm, respectively. Each tube was dosed with the appropriate amount of diluted Glucoamylase SA (GSA). Actual enzyme dosage was 0.77 AGU/g DS based on the average weight of liquefied corn mash in each tube; tap water was added as needed to bring the DS of each tube to 31%. All tubes had 400 μL of yeast rehydrated in tap water added; the volume is based on the average mash weight in each tube and a yeast dose of 20 μl/g corn mash rounded up to the nearest 100 μl. The tubes were then covered with caps with septa, vented by inserting a 22 gauge needle, and placed in an Infors HT MultitronPro humidity controlled incubator for Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF). The temperature was 32° C. and humidity was set at 80%; the tubes were mixed by hand twice a day throughout fermentation.

Samples were collected for HPLC analysis after 65 hours of fermentation. This process began with stopping the enzyme and yeast reactions by adding 200 μL of 40% H₂SO₄ (10 μl/g corn mash, rounded up to the nearest 100 μl) and mixing to distribute the acid; final calculated DS was 29.7% at the end of SSF. HPLC sample preparation consisted of transferring about 5 g of fermented corn mash to a 15 ml Falcon tube, centrifuging at 3000 rpm for 8 minutes, and passing the supernatant through a 0.45 μm filter into an HPLC vial. Samples were stored at 4° C. until analysis. The system used to determine ethanol and oligosaccharides concentration was an Agilent™ 100 HPLC system coupled with an RI detector. The separation column was a BioRad™ Aminex HPX-87H ion exclusion column (300 mm×7.8 mm).

Results

The final ethanol and percentage of ethanol increase by addition of hemicellulase are summarized in Table 25 below.

TABLE 25 Summarized Ethanol Yield and Percent Change Results Ethanol Ethanol Liquefaction Treatment (% w/v) Increase (%) AA only control 13.33 — AA + Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH10 13.59 2.0% xylanase AA + Rasamsonia byssochlamydoides 13.74 3.1% GH10 xylanase AA + Aspergillus fumigatus GH10 xylanase 13.47 1.1% AA + Talaromyces emersonii GH3 beta- 13.29 −0.3% xylosidase AA + Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH11 13.39 0.5% xylanase AA + Trichoderma reesei CE5 acetylxylan 13.35 0.2% esterase

Example 21

Adding Thermostable Hemicellulase in Liquefaction of Corn—Effect on Ethanol Yield

All treatments were evaluated via 18 g liquefaction. Ground corn flour was obtained from an industrial corn ethanol plant to be used for the experiment. The dry solids (% DS) of the corn flour was 86.5% as determined by Mettler-Toledo HB43 halogen moisture balance in duplicate. For liquefaction of the corn flour, 6.4±0.1 g corn flour was weighed into a 40 ml Oak Ridge tube. Tap water was added to reach % DS of 31.5% and mass of 17.6±0.2 g corn slurry. The pH of the corn slurry was found to be about 6.0; 23 μl of 40% H₂SO₄ was added to each tube to reduce the pH to 5.0 for liquefaction.

A thermostable hemicellulase from Talaromyces leycettanus (TI Xyl) was evaluated as shown in Table 26. This hemicellulase was combined with alpha-amylase (AA369), thermostable glucoamylase (Po 498), thermostable protease (Protease Pfu) as indicated in the Table 26 below to evaluate the effect of the thermostable hemicellulase in liquefaction. Each tube was dosed with the appropriate amount of diluted enzyme as shown in Table 26 below. Each liquefaction treatment was tested in triplicate along with three controls without hemicellulase added. Actual enzyme dosages were calculated based on the mass of corn slurry in each tube; tap water was added to bring the calculated % DS of all tubes to 31.0%. The final volume of the corn slurry after all additions and prior to liquefaction was 18.1±0.4 g. After enzyme and water addition, the tubes were sealed tightly, shaken thoroughly, and then placed in a Boekel Boekel Big SHOT III hybridization oven Model 230402 with a rack that holds and rotates the tubes vertically around a fixed axis. The oven was preheated to 80.0±0.5° C. as determined by a calibrated thermometer attached to the oven rack. The incubator temperature decreased while the door was open for loading; the temperature on the thermometer was monitored until it reached 75° C. at which time the timer was started for a two-hour incubation with rotation set at speed 20 rpm.

Source of Enzyme Family Action Sequence ID Talaromyces leycettanus GH10 Xylanase (SEQ ID NO: 5 herein)

TABLE 26 Enzyme Dosage in Liquefaction GA498 Protease Hemicellulase AA 369 dose dose Pfu dose Tl xylanase Liquefaction (KNU-A/g (μg EP*/g (μg EP*/g dose (μg EP*/ Treatments DS) DS) DS) g DS) AA 0.12 — — — AA + GA 0.12 4.5 — — AA + High 0.12 — 3.0 — Protease AA + 0.12 4.5 0.0385 — Protease + GA AA + High 0.12 4.5 3.0 — Protease + GA AA + 0.12 — — 100 Hemicellulase AA + GA + 0.12 4.5 — 100 Hemicellulase AA + Protease + 0.12 — 3.0 100 Hemicellulase AA + Protease + — — — 100 GA + Hemicellulase AA + Protease + — — — 100 GA + Hemicellulase *EP is enzyme protein

After incubating the tubes for two hours at 80° C., the tubes were removed from the hybridization oven and submerged in cool water with occasional mixing for about 30 minutes until they were cool to the touch. The caps were removed and a small spatula was used to push material stuck to the sides of the tubes down. Urea and penicillin solutions were added to each tube to reach final concentrations of 700 ppm and 3 ppm, respectively. Each tube was dosed with the appropriate amount of diluted glucoamylase (GSA). Actual enzyme dosage was 0.6 AGU/g DS based on the average weight of liquefied corn mash in each tube; tap water was added as needed to bring the DS of each tube to 31.2±0.1%. All tubes had 400 μL of yeast rehydrated in tap water added; the volume is based on the average mash weight in each tube and a yeast dose of 20 μl/g corn mash rounded up to the nearest 100 μl. The tubes were then covered with caps with septa, vented by inserting a 22 gauge needle, and placed in an Infors HT MultitronPro humidity controlled incubator for Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation (SSF). The temperature was 32° C. and humidity was set at 80%; the tubes were mixed by hand twice a day throughout fermentation.

Samples were collected for HPLC analysis after 65 hours of fermentation. This process involved stopping the enzyme and yeast reactions by adding 200 μL of 40% H₂SO₄ (10 μl/g corn mash, rounded up to the nearest 100 μl) and mixing to distribute the acid; final calculated DS was 30±0.1% at the end of SSF. HPLC sample preparation consisted of transferring about 5 g of fermented corn mash to a 15 ml Falcon tube, centrifuging at 3000 rpm for 8 minutes, and passing the supernatant through a 0.45 μm filter into an HPLC vial. Samples were stored at 4° C. until analysis. The system used to determine ethanol and oligosaccharides concentration was an Agilent™ 100 HPLC system coupled with an RI detector. The separation column was a BioRad™ Aminex HPX-87H ion exclusion column (300 mm×7.8 mm).

Additionally, the samples were analysed for solubilized feruloyated arabinoxylan (SFA) as an indication of hydrolysis of xylan in corn. Analysis was completed using a Tecan Safire V 2.20 08/02 plate reader using XFLUOR4BETA Version: E 4.22d. To prepare samples for analysis, a portion of the 0.45 μm filtered supernatant was diluted eight-fold in deionized water. 200 μl of the resulting solution was transferred to a UV-compatible 96-well microtiter plate and A320 was measured; several wells with 200 μl deionized water were included to use a blanks.

Results

The final ethanol and percentage of ethanol increase by addition of hemicellulase to thermostable GA, thermostable protease and formulated products in liquefaction are summarized in Table 27 below. Treatments containing hemicellulase all showed at least 1% increase in ethanol yield over the same treatment without hemicelluase. The treatments with only AA and AA+Protease+GA were found to have statistically higher ethanol yield of 2.0% and 2.1%, respectively, when hemicellulase was added in liquefaction. Statistical analysis was completed using Dunnett's test for mean comparison (Statistics program used was SAS JMP).

SFA and percentage of SFA increase by addition of hemicellulase on top of various activities and formulated products in liquefaction are summarized in Table 27 below. Thermostable hemicellulase in liquefaction increased SFA in supernatant over the same treatment without hemicellulase in all cases.

TABLE 27 Summarized Ethanol Yield and Percent Change Over Same Treatment Without Hemicellulase Ethanol Liquefaction Treatment Ethanol (% w/v) Increase (%) AA 12.99 — AA + GA 13.13 — AA + High Protease 13.31 — AA + Protease + GA 13.07 — AA + High Protease + GA 13.40 — AA + Hemicellulase 13.25 2.0% AA + GA + Hemicellulase 13.32 1.5% AA + Protease + Hemicellulase 13.52 1.5% AA + Protease + GA + Hemicellulase 13.35 2.1% AA + High Protease + GA + 13.58 1.3% Hemicellulase

TABLE 27 Summarized Solubilized Feruloyated Arabinoxylan (SFA) by A320 Results and Percent Change Over Same Treatment Without Hemicellulase Corrected* Liquefaction Treatment Absorbance Percent Change AA 7.79 — AA + GA 7.8 — AA + Protease 7.52 — AA + Protease + GA 7.67 — AA + High Protease + GA 7.95 — AA + Hemicellulase 8.33 7.0% AA + GA + Hemicellulase 8.07 3.5% AA + Protease + Hemicellulase 8.66 15.1% AA + Protease + GA + Hemicellulase 9.07 18.3% AA + High Protease + GA + 8.91 12.0% Hemicellulase *Value corrected for eight-fold dilution and blank subtracted.

Example 22

The Impact of Grind Size and Thermostable Xylanase Addition in Liquefaction—Effect on Ethanol Yield

All treatments were evaluated via 100 g small-scale liquefaction. Corn flour obtained from an industrial corn ethanol plant was used for the experiment. To obtain the “Turkish ground” corn, the industrial corn flour was ground in-lab using a Bunn® Coffee Mill. A sieve analysis was performed on the industrial corn flour and Turkish ground corn flour. To perform sieve analysis, 30 g of corn flour sample was weighed and placed in the Advantech Sonic Sifter. The sifter was run for 2 minutes using the sift/pulse setting at an amplitude of 8. Table 28 displays the resulting grind size distribution of the corn flour. The dry solids (DS) of the industrial ground corn was 86.48% and the Turkish ground corn was 86.58%, as determined by Mettler-Toledo HB43 halogen moisture balance. Each of the three liquefaction treatments were run in triplicate in the Lab-O-Mat (nine canisters total). Corn and tap water were added to each canister such that each corn slurry had a DS of 32%. The corn flour type, corn weight and tap water weight added the canisters for each treatment is as shown in Table 29. The pH of each corn slurry was adjusted to 5.0 using 40% H₂SO₄. Each canister was dosed with the appropriate amount of diluted enzyme as shown in Table 29. The total weight of corn, tap water and diluted enzyme equaled 100 g. The alpha-amylase (AA369) and the Dictyoglomus thermophilum GH11 xylanase (Dt xylanase from Table 20) were used. The canisters were then sealed with caps and loaded into the Lab-O-Mat. Liquefaction happened at 80° C. for two hours with constant rotation.

After liquefaction was done, the canisters were taken off from the Lab-O-Mat and put on ice for fast cooling. The cooled corn mashes were then removed from canisters to beakers, and prepared for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Five SSF replicates were run for each canister, thus providing 15 total SSF replicates per liquefaction treatment. To all SSF corn mashes, 3 ppm of penicillin and 1000 ppm of urea was added. Approximately 5 g of each corn mash (liquefied above) was added to a 15 ml polypropylene tube. The tubes were prepared by drilling a 1/32 inch (1.5 mm) hole and empty tubes were then weighed before liquefied corn mash was added. The tubes were weighted again after mash was added to determine the exact weight of mash in each tube. Each tube was dosed with 0.6 AGU/gDS of SPIRIZYME EXCEL XHS. Actual enzyme dosages were based on the exact weight of the corn mash in each tube. After enzyme dosage, 100 μl of ETHANOL RED™ yeast propagate was added to each tube and tubes were then incubated in a 32° C. water bath for 54 hours. Samples were taken at the end of fermentation for HPLC analysis. The HPLC preparation consisted of stopping the reaction by addition of 50 μl of 40% H₂SO₄, centrifuging and filtering through a 0.45μ filter. Samples were stored at 4° C. until analysis. Agilent™ 1100 HPLC system couple with RI detector was used to determine concentrations of ethanol and oligosaccharides. The separation column was aminex HPX-87H ion exclusion column (300 mm×7.8 mm) from BioRad™.

TABLE 28 Sieve Analysis. Turkish Sieve Industrial Ground Corn Size (μm) Corn Flour Flour 2000 0.5%  0.6% 1000 16.6%  6.7% 850 8.6%  9.1% 425 35.5% 44.7% 250 11.2% 15.2% 180 5.5%  5.5% <180 13.7% 13.6%

TABLE 29 Summary of Contents in Liquefaction Canisters. Corn Corn Weight/ Tap Water Xylanase Flour Canister Weight/Canister AA369 Dose Dose Type (g) (g) (KNU(AH)/gDS) (μg EP/gDS) Industrial 37.00 62.70 0.12 0 Industrial 37.00 62.57 0.12 100 Turkish 36.96 62.61 0.12 100 Results:

The ethanol yield from each treatment is summarized in Table 30 below. The Dt xylanase provided a boost in ethanol when added to both corn flours. The increased ethanol yield of the Dt xylanase in combination with the industrial corn flour indicates that the Dt xylanase was able to break down the corn fiber and thus help to release fiber-bound starch, Dt xylanase in combination with Turkish ground industrial corn flour delivered the highest ethanol performance, indicating optimal performance when fiber-bound starch release and further mechanical grinding of the corn flour are combined.

TABLE 30 Summarized Ethanol Yield and Percent Change Results. Ethanol Ethanol Increase Liquefaction Treatment (% w/v) (%) Industrial Corn Flour + AA only 13.16 — Industrial Corn Flour + AA + Dt Xyl 13.33 1.3% Turkish Ground Corn Flour + AA + Dt 13.60 3.3% Xyl 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A process for producing fermentation products from starch-containing material comprising the steps of: i) liquefying the starch-containing material at a temperature above the initial gelatinization temperature using: an alpha-amylase; a GH10 xylanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C.; ii) saccharifying using a glucoamylase enzyme; iii) fermenting using a fermenting organism, wherein the starch-containing material is corn.
 2. The process of claim 1, wherein the xylanase has a Melting Point (DSC) above 82° C., above 84° C., above 86° C., above 88° C., above 88° C., above 90° C., above 92° C., above 94° C., above 96° C., above 98° C., or above 100° C.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein: an alpha-amylase; a GH10 xylanase having a Melting Point (DSC) above 80° C., above 85° C., above 90° C., or 95° C.; and an GH5 endoglucanase having Melting Point (DSC) above 70° C., above 75° C., above 80° C., or above 85° C.; are present and/or added in liquefaction step i).
 4. The process of claim 1 further comprises, prior to the liquefaction step i), the steps of: a) reducing a particle size of the starch-containing material; b) forming a slurry comprising the starch-containing material and water.
 5. The process of claim 1, wherein: i) at least 50%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with #6 screen; ii) at least 50%, at least 59% or 60%, of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with a 0.25 to 0.425 mm screen; iii) at least 75% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with less than a 0.5 mm screen; or iv) at least 79% or 80% of the starch-containing material fit through a sieve with equal to or less than a 0.425 mm screen.
 6. The process of claim 1 wherein saccharification is carried out at a temperature from 20-75° C., from 40-70° C., and at a pH between 4 and
 5. 7. The process of claim 1, wherein fermentation or simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) is carried out at a temperature from 25° C. to 40° C., from 28° C. to 35° C., from 30° C. to 34° C., for 6 to 120 hours, or 24 to 96 hours.
 8. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermentation product is recovered after fermentation.
 9. The process of claim 1, wherein the pH during liquefaction is between 4.0-6.5.
 10. The process of claim 1, wherein the pH during liquefaction is between 4.5-6.2.
 11. The process of claim 1, wherein the pH during liquefaction is between 4.8-6.0.
 12. The process of claim 1, wherein the pH during liquefaction is between 5.0-5.8.
 13. The process of claim 1, wherein the temperature during liquefaction is in the range from 70-100° C.
 14. The process of claim 1, wherein the temperature during liquefaction is in the range from between 70-95° C.
 15. The process of claim 1, wherein the temperature during liquefaction is in the range from 75-90° C.
 16. The process of claim 1, wherein the temperature during liquefaction is in the range from 80-90° C.
 17. The process of claim 1, wherein saccharification and fermentation is carried out simultaneously.
 18. The process of claim 1, wherein saccharification and fermentation is carried out sequentially.
 19. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermentation product is an alcohol.
 20. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermentation product is ethanol.
 21. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermentation product is fuel ethanol.
 22. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermenting organism is yeast.
 23. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermenting organism is a strain of Saccharomyces yeast.
 24. The process of claim 1, wherein the fermenting organism is a strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast.
 25. The process of claim 1, wherein the alpha-amylase is a bacterial alpha-amylase.
 26. The process of claim 1, wherein the alpha-amylase is a thermostable alpha-amylase.
 27. The process of claim 1, wherein the xylanase has at least 85% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 28. The process of claim 1, wherein the xylanase has at least 90% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 29. The process of claim 1, wherein the xylanase has at least 95% identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO:
 3. 